My employer in Bhagalpur makes me work 60 hours a week, what is the legal limit on weekly working hours?

Detailed Legal Analysis

The legal limit on weekly working hours in India is generally set at 48 hours, as per the provisions of the Factories Act, 1948, and the Shops and Establishments Act applicable in different states, including Bihar, where Bhagalpur is located.

According to the Factories Act, 1948:

• The maximum number of hours of work for adults in a factory is limited to 48 hours per week (Section 51).
• Workers can work a maximum of 9 hours in a day (Section 54), which means that with a 6-day work week, the total comes up to 54 hours, but this can only happen under specific circumstances.
• Any work beyond the stipulated hours is considered overtime and requires the employer to pay for it at a rate of twice the ordinary wage (Section 59).

In the context of the Bihar Shops and Establishments Act, 1953:

• For establishments covered under this Act, the standard working hours are also capped at 48 hours per week.
• Employees cannot work more than 9 hours in a single day, with a half-day on Saturdays and Sundays (Section 28).
• Overtime pay is also applicable here, requiring the employer to compensate workers for hours worked beyond the standard limits at a rate of 1.5 times the normal wage (Section 30).

Given that your employer is making you work 60 hours a week, this is in violation of both the Factories Act and the Shops and Establishments Act. You are entitled to report this violation to the appropriate authorities:

• Contact the Labour Commissioner in Bhagalpur.
• File a complaint with the local Inspector of Factories or Shops, depending on the nature of your employment.
• Seek legal advice or assistance from labor unions or legal aid organizations if necessary.

It is crucial to document your working hours and any communication with your employer regarding this issue, as it may be needed for filing a formal complaint or seeking legal recourse.