CJI Chandrachud’s Days of Moonlighting: Is It Legal in India?
Here are tips for smooth moonlighting but first go through for an employment contract. Don’t blame us later!
The topic of moonlighting is back in focus, but this present the Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud shared his days of moonlighting. CJI Chandrachud has revealed that he moonlighted as a radio jockey for All India Radio in his early twenties. He said he hosted shows like ‘Play it cool’, ‘Date with you, and ‘Sunday request.’
“Not many are aware of this, but I moonlighted as a radio jockey in my early twenties in All India Radio,” he said during an event in Goa.
“My love for music persists only, even today. After I’m done with the music of the lawyers, which is not always music to the ears, I go back and listen to music which is music to the ears, every day of my life,” CJI Chandrachud added after inaugurating the first academic session of the India International University of Legal Education and Research (IIULER) in Goa, an initiative of the Bar Council of India.
What is moonlighting?
It is the practice of having a second job after work hours. This second job is taken without the employers’ knowledge. It is usually the side jobs taken at night to earn extra income that emerged during the COVID-19 pandemic. The work-from-home model is said to have promulgated moonlighting.
Why are companies against it?
Big tech giants have fired their employees for moonlighting. Many firms, especially in the IT sector are against it. Infosys has said it “strictly discourages dual employment.” Infosys has warned its employees against moonlighting. The company said such activities will lead to the termination of a contract.
Wipro chairman Azim Premji also shared his take on the concept. “There is a lot of chatter about people moonlighting in the tech industry. This is plain and simple cheating”. Wipro fired 300 employees for indulging in this practice. Tata Consultancy Service is also among such companies that are against moonlighting.
Companies are worried about the loss of productivity at their primary job. It will lead to conflicts of interest and data breaches. Moonlighting is also deemed unfair if an employee’s contract stipulates non- compete for restrictions and exclusive employment.
Is moonlighting legal?
However, moonlighting is neither new nor unusual. Hundreds of IT professionals, photographers, journalists, and filmmakers routinely moonlight. The reasons could be many.
What does Indian law say about moonlighting?
There is no overarching law against moonlighting in India. Several acts talk about dual employment. Section 60 of the Factories Act 1948 the double employment of adults in factories. The Shops and Establishment Act, which is state legislation, may bar employment in the same institution or organization after work hours. It is to be noted that even though the law expressly does not prohibit moonlighting, most employer contracts certainly do. Individual companies have different policies on it.
For instance, Swiggy openly promotes moonlighting. It even launched an industry-first ‘Moonlighting policy’ in August 2022. It encourages its employees to undertake second jobs.
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How to balance two jobs at once?
If your contract does not contain a special clause for dual employment then you may consider some extra income option. However, it is always better for Employees to carefully check their contacts before taking up multiple jobs.
If everything goes in your favour then you should follow some tips to strike a balance between two jobs without compromising productivity.
- Evaluating yourself
Make sure this is something you have the time, energy, and means for.
- Diversify
If you are getting a second job, try something different from your first job. This will help motivate you and keep you engaged.
- Support system
Inform your employer and make sure they are on board. Tell your friends and family and let them support you.
- Time management
Time management will be essential. Make sure to schedule your shifts carefully, and keep them the same each week so that you can stick to a schedule.
- Self-care
Your mental and physical health is important to take care of while working more than one job. Take time for yourself.
- Stay motivated
Remind yourself why you wanted to work two jobs in the first place. Staying motivated and engaged in each position will be important to be successful.
Two-timing a job could be a personal choice but money should not be bigger than your health. Therefore, if your body needs some rest, you deserve it!
