Moonlighting: No blanket ban in India though several laws frown upon it

The Factories Act is one such, but its provisions don't apply to firms that don't run a factory; many states have their own laws on the matter

Wipro recently fired 300 employees in India, saying they were moonlighting. The firm's action brings to the fore the question of where we stand in relation to laws governing dual employment.

Though moonlighting isn't totally prohibited in India, there are several acts that talk about dual employment. Section 60 of the Factories Act, 1948, prohibits the double employment of adult workers in factories.

However, its provisions on double employment do not apply to organisations that don't run factories.

Besides the Factories Act, the state-wise Shops and Establishment Acts lay down provisions related to organisations not covered under the Factories Act.