Is it legal for an employer to fire an employee without notice?

No. Under Indian law, an employer usually cannot terminate an employee without giving notice. The notice period is generally mentioned in the employment contract or company policy.

Under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020 (earlier Industrial Disputes Act, 1947), a “workman” who has completed at least one year of continuous service must normally receive one month’s notice or wages in lieu of notice before termination for reasons like retrenchment.

However, if an employee commits serious misconduct, such as theft, fraud, or violence, an employer may dismiss them without notice after a proper disciplinary inquiry.

If rules are not followed, the employee can challenge the termination before labour authorities or courts.