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Home Money & Work Labour & Employment Rights

Labour & Employment Rights

India has consolidated 29 older labour laws into 4 new Labour Codes (Wages, Industrial Relations, Social Security, and Occupational Safety), being rolled out in phases alongside existing protections. Here's what protects you at work today.

Right to timely, full wages

The Code on Wages requires timely payment and bars unauthorised deductions; a national floor wage sets a baseline safety net.

Right to Provident Fund & social security

Employers with 20+ employees must register with EPFO and contribute to your PF — this is your money, not a favour.

Protection against arbitrary termination

Notice period, retrenchment compensation, and due process apply before termination, especially at larger establishments.

New recognition for gig & platform workers

The Code on Social Security, 2020 formally defines and extends emerging social security benefits to gig and platform workers.

Real-Life Scenarios

What actually happens, and what to do

Click a scenario to see the law, the exact steps, and who to call.

01

I didn't get my salary on time, or got less than agreed
The Situation

Delayed or short-paid wages, or unexplained deductions.

What The Law Says

Wages must be paid within a fixed timeframe (commonly by the 7th or 10th of the following month, depending on employee count), and only specific deductions are permitted (PF, tax, proven-misconduct fines, etc.) under the Code on Wages, 2019.

Code on Wages, 2019
What To Do — Step By Step
  1. Send a written request to your employer/HR for the pending wages.
  2. If unresolved, file a free complaint with the Labour Commissioner's office in your state/area — no lawyer required.
  3. You can also approach the Labour Court for wage recovery.
Who To Contact
State Labour Commissioner

Free complaint route for unpaid/delayed wages.

Search '[your state] Labour Commissioner'
Shram Suvidha Portal

Central portal for labour-related grievances in the organised sector.

shramsuvidha.gov.in
02

I was terminated without notice or compensation
The Situation

Sudden dismissal with no explanation or due process.

What The Law Says

Under the labour dispute framework (now largely folded into the Industrial Relations Code), retrenchment requires notice (or pay in lieu) and retrenchment compensation (typically 15 days' wages per year of service); larger establishments may also need prior government permission, subject to state-specific thresholds.

What To Do — Step By Step
  1. Request the termination order/reason in writing.
  2. File a complaint with the Labour Commissioner if due process wasn't followed.
  3. Approach the Labour Court/Industrial Tribunal for reinstatement or compensation where applicable.
03

My employer isn't depositing my PF
The Situation

PF is being deducted from your salary but not reaching your EPFO account — or you can't access your account at all.

What The Law Says

Employers with 20+ employees must register with EPFO and deposit both employer and employee contributions monthly. Failing to deposit contributions already deducted from your salary is a criminal offence, not just a civil default.

EPF Act, 1952
What To Do — Step By Step
  1. Check your PF passbook on the EPFO member portal or UMANG app to confirm what's actually been deposited.
  2. File a grievance on EPFiGMS, EPFO's online grievance portal, if contributions are missing.
  3. Complain directly to your regional EPFO office if the online grievance goes unresolved.
Who To Contact
EPFO Grievance Portal (EPFiGMS)

Track and complain about missing PF deposits.

epfigms.gov.in
1800-118-005
04

I'm a gig/platform worker and got 'deactivated' or underpaid with no explanation
The Situation

Delivery, ride-hailing, or other platform work where you have less traditional employment protection.

What The Law Says

The Code on Social Security, 2020 formally recognises gig and platform workers for the first time and creates a framework for social security schemes — though implementation and specific protections are still evolving and vary by scheme and state.

What To Do — Step By Step
  1. Document the deactivation or payment issue with screenshots.
  2. Raise it through the platform's grievance/support channel first.
  3. Check whether your state has a gig worker welfare board (several states have introduced dedicated legislation) and register a complaint there if applicable.
Know The Law

The legal basis, in plain terms

 Key provisions that apply here

Code on Wages, 2019

Timely payment, minimum/floor wage, and the list of permitted deductions.

Industrial Relations Code, 2020

Termination, retrenchment, and dispute resolution framework.

Code on Social Security, 2020

PF, ESI, gratuity, and new gig-worker provisions.

Occupational Safety, Health & Working Conditions Code, 2020

Workplace safety standards across sectors.

Landmark Cases

Court rulings that shaped this right

The precedents behind the plain-language explanations above.

Bangalore Water Supply & Sewerage Board v. A. RajappaAIR 1978 SC 548 — Gave a broad interpretation to what counts as an 'industry' under labour law, extending worker protections to a wide range of establishments beyond traditional factories. Verify this case
Frequently Asked

Quick answers

Are the new Labour Codes fully in force everywhere?
Rollout has been phased, with central and state governments notifying rules at different times — some older laws continue to apply alongside the new codes depending on your state and sector. Check with your State Labour Department for current applicability.
Can my employer fire me without any reason?
Not without due process — notice or pay in lieu, and (for larger establishments or specific categories) other requirements apply. Arbitrary dismissal can be challenged before the Labour Court.
Is my PF money safe if my company shuts down?
Your accumulated PF balance remains yours, held by EPFO (not the company), and can be withdrawn or transferred. Contributions the employer deducted but never deposited require separate recovery action.
Do domestic and unorganised-sector workers have any protection?
Yes, though weaker than the organised sector — the Code on Social Security extends some welfare scheme coverage to unorganised workers, and several states run separate welfare boards for domestic and construction workers.
Is a probation-period employee protected against unfair termination?
Protections are generally lighter during probation, but termination still can't violate the terms of the appointment letter or be discriminatory/retaliatory — check your specific employment contract and applicable state Shops & Establishments Act.
Can I be forced to work overtime without extra pay?
No — most Shops & Establishments Acts and the Code on Wages require overtime to be paid at a higher rate (commonly double the ordinary rate), and there are caps on total working hours.
Related Rights

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Consumer Rights

Faulty products, refunds, e-commerce fraud, and consumer courts.

Banking & Financial Rights

Fraud, wrongful charges, loan recovery, and RBI grievance routes.

Women's Rights & Safety

Workplace safety, domestic violence, harassment, and where to get help.

Right to Information (RTI)

How to file an RTI, appeal a refusal, and get government data.

Still not sure what applies to you?

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This page explains general Indian law for information purposes and is not legal advice. Laws, portal names, fees and helpline numbers change — please verify current details on the official government website linked above before taking action, and consult a qualified advocate for advice on your specific case.