My employer in Itanagar 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 48 hours, as per the Factories Act, 1948, and the Shops and Establishment Act applicable in the respective states. Therefore, working 60 hours a week exceeds the permissible limit.

Here are the key points regarding working hours in India:

• Factories Act, 1948: This act governs the working hours in factories and stipulates that the maximum number of hours a worker can work is 48 hours per week.
• Section 51: Under this section, any worker who works beyond the prescribed limit is entitled to overtime wages, which are calculated at double the ordinary rate of wages.
• Daily Working Hours: According to Section 54 of the Factories Act, no worker shall be allowed to work for more than 9 hours in a day.
• Shops and Establishment Act: Each state in India has its own Shops and Establishment Act that governs working hours for employees in shops and commercial establishments. For instance, the Arunachal Pradesh Shops and Establishment Act, 2019, also generally limits weekly working hours to 48.
• Overtime Compensation: If you are made to work beyond the legally permissible hours, you are entitled to receive compensation for the additional hours worked, as per the applicable acts.

If you believe your employer is violating these laws by requiring you to work 60 hours per week, you have several options:

• Document Evidence: Keep a record of your working hours, including any overtime and the nature of work done.
• Informal Discussion: Consider discussing the issue with your employer or HR department to seek clarification or resolution.
• File a Complaint: If the issue persists, you can file a formal complaint with the Labour Commissioner in Itanagar, citing the specific violations of the Factories Act or the Shops and Establishment Act.
• Seek Legal Advice: Consulting with a legal professional who specializes in labor law can provide guidance on how to proceed with your case.

In summary, your employer's requirement for you to work 60 hours a week exceeds the legal limit, and you are entitled to seek recourse against this violation.