Top 10 Employee Rights in India Every Corporate Worker Must Know (2025)

Corporate employees in India often don’t realize their legal protections. Here’s a quick guide to the top 10 rights you should know, formatted for easy reading and Google search.

1. Pregnant Employees Cannot Be Fired

Q: Can a company fire a pregnant employee in India?
A: No. Terminating a pregnant employee is illegal under the Maternity Benefit Act, 1961, punishable by up to 3 years in jail.

2. Paid Maternity Leave

Q: How much maternity leave do I get as a corporate employee?
A: Women are entitled to 26 weeks paid leave for the first two children, and 12 weeks for subsequent children.

3. Equal Pay for Equal Work

Q: Do men and women get the same salary for the same job?
A: Yes. The Equal Remuneration Act, 1976 guarantees equal pay for equal work, regardless of gender.

4. Sexual Harassment Protection

Q: What should I do if I face harassment at work?
A: Report it to your company’s Internal Complaints Committee (ICC). Offenders can face fines and imprisonment under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, 2013.

5. Provident Fund (PF) Contributions

Q: Is PF contribution mandatory?
A: Yes. Employers must contribute to Employee Provident Fund (EPF). Skipping contributions can lead to legal penalties.

6. Gratuity Rights

Q: Am I entitled to gratuity?
A: Yes. Employees who have worked 5+ years must receive gratuity when leaving the company, under the Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972.

7. Timely Payment of Wages

Q: Can my salary be delayed?
A: No. Salaries must be paid on time, as per the Payment of Wages Act, 1936. Delays are illegal.

8. Overtime Compensation

Q: Am I entitled to overtime pay?
A: Yes. Employees working beyond normal hours must receive overtime compensation.

9. Whistleblower Protection

Q: Can I be fired for reporting fraud?
A: No. Employees reporting misconduct are protected under the Companies Act, 2013. Retaliation is illegal.

10. Workplace Safety

Q: What are my workplace safety rights?
A: Employers must provide a safe and healthy working environment. Violations can lead to fines or imprisonment under the Factories Act, 1948.

Conclusion

Knowing your employee rights in India protects you from unfair practices and empowers you at work. Keep your employment documents, salary slips, and HR communications safe—they can be crucial if legal action is needed.