Is Dual Employment Legal in India?

India does not impose a blanket ban on holding multiple jobs, but statutory laws and employment contracts regulate the practice. The Factories Act, 1948 prohibits factory workers from working in more than one factory on the same day.

The Industrial Employment (Standing Orders) Rules, 1946 and various Shops and Establishments Acts (Delhi, Maharashtra, etc.) restrict working multiple jobs or exceeding permitted hours.

In other sectors, dual employment depends on the employment contract, which may include exclusivity, confidentiality, or non-compete clauses.

Undertaking a second job is legal only if it complies with statutory limits and does not breach contractual obligations.