I Introduction

The gig economy’s fast expansion has resulted in the rise of new types of employment, such as “ghost work,” which refers to the practice of outsourcing work to anonymous, often invisible employees via online platforms. In India, where the gig economy is growing, ghost employment is becoming more common, and businesses are exploiting technology to outsource work to a worldwide workforce.

The gig economy, which is defined by short-term contracts and freelance employment, has changed the labour market, allowing both individuals and employers greater flexibility. However, the rise of ghost work has created new legal and ethical issues, such as worker exploitation, discrimination, and job insecurity.

In India, labour laws are aimed to safeguard employees’ rights and assure their well-being in a variety of industries. These laws were designed to protect employees from exploitation and discrimination, as well as to assure their social security. The rise of the gig economy and ghost employment, on the other hand, has created a challenge to India’s current legal framework for labour regulations.

II India’s legal foundation for labour legislation

The Indian Constitution provides essential rights to all citizens, including the right to employment and equality. To secure the protection of these fundamental rights, the government has passed a number of labour laws. Some of India’s important labour regulations are as follows:

• The Industrial Disputes Act of 1947 oversees the adjudication of labour disputes between employers and employees. It addresses issues such as layoffs, retrenchment, and business closures.
• The Trade Unions Act of 1926 outlines the registration of trade unions as well as their rights and duties. It also describes the collective bargaining process between companies and employees.
• The Minimum Wage Act of 1948 – This law requires workers in various industries to be paid a minimum wage. The Act also establishes standards for establishing and adjusting minimum salaries.
• The Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act of 1952 establishes a Provident Fund for employees in factories and other businesses. It also requires the provision of different benefits to employees, such as pensions, insurance, and medical facilities.
• The Payment of Bonus Act of 1965 – This legislation requires employers to pay an annual bonus to employees who earn a specific amount.

The gig economy and ghost employment have given rise to a new type of worker that is not protected by standard labour regulations. These employees are sometimes referred to as independent contractors or freelancers, and they work for a variety of customers or platforms.

Because gig workers are not considered employees, the Industrial Disputes Act, which governs industrial disputes, may not apply to them. Similarly, the Trade Unions Act, which governs trade union registration, may not apply to gig workers because they do not have a legal employer-employee relationship.

Because gig workers are frequently paid on a per-task or per-project basis, the Minimum Wage Act may not apply to them. However, if gig workers are classified as employees and are paid a fixed salary, the Act may apply.

Because gig workers are not considered employees, the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, which provides for the establishment of a Provident Fund for employees, may not apply to them. If gig workers are categorized as employees, however, they may be eligible for benefits under the Act.

Because gig workers do not receive a fixed salary, the Payment of Bonus Act may not apply to them. If gig workers are recognized as employees, however, they may be eligible for a yearly bonus.

III Challenges to Workers in India’s gig economy

Workers in India’s gig economy confront a number of issues, including:

• Inadequate social security – Gig workers are not eligible for social security benefits such as health insurance, pensions, and other advantages that conventional employees are.
• Lack of job security – Gig workers are frequently not guaranteed a consistent stream of employment and lack job security.
• Exploitation – Some platforms may abuse gig workers by offering poor salaries and failing to provide essential benefits.

Another key issue that workers in the gig economy confront is a lack of social protection. Workers are not entitled to standard employment benefits such as health insurance, retirement plans, or paid leave due to the nature of gig labour. This exposes gig workers to financial and health hazards, particularly during emergencies or periods of economic insecurity.

In India, the legal framework for labour regulations is intended to safeguard workers in the formal sector. However, there are gaps in the legal framework that exclude gig workers from its coverage. For example, the Industrial Disputes Act of 1947, which governs the process of industrial dispute settlement and offers compensation in cases of wrongful dismissal, only applies to workers in the organized sector. Similarly, the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act of 1952, which establishes provident funds and pension funds for workers, applies solely to people earning up to a particular income threshold and working in specified industries.

In India, the lack of clarity surrounding the legal status of gig workers has resulted in confusion and ambiguity over their rights and duties. While gig platforms classify their workers as independent contractors, labour rights activists and legal experts are increasingly agreeing that gig workers should be treated as employees. This would ensure that they have the same fundamental rights and protections as workers under labour laws.

The gig economy has changed the nature of employment and given new options for Indian employees. However, it has also presented a number of legal and ethical issues, particularly in the form of ghost work. To accommodate the particular requirements and issues encountered by gig workers, India’s legislative framework for labour laws must be modified. To guarantee that the rights and dignity of employees in the gig economy are safeguarded, the government, gig platforms, and labour rights organizations must work together.

IV The Legal Implications of Ghost Work in India

The legal implications of ghost work in India are complex and multifaceted, necessitating careful thought and analysis.

One of the most serious legal issues confronting ghost employees in India is a lack of legal recognition and protection. Because ghost work is informal and frequently transnational, these workers are not recognized as employees and thus do not have the legal protections afforded to formal workers under labour laws. This exposes them to exploitation and abuse at the hands of their employers, who can easily avoid their legal responsibilities and obligations.

Another legal issue that ghost employees confront is the difficulty of enforcing labour regulations in the gig economy. Because gig work is decentralized and online, it can be difficult to monitor and regulate the behaviour of gig platforms and their clients. This makes enforcing labour laws, which are intended to protect employees from exploitation and to provide fair and safe working conditions, difficult.

The effect of ghost work on job security, wages, and benefits is another major concern. Ghost employees are frequently paid minimal salaries with no job security or benefits, resulting in economic insecurity and financial instability. Furthermore, the absence of benefits such as health insurance and retirement plans can result in long-term financial difficulties for these employees.

In India, the gig economy is still a new phenomenon, and the legal framework for regulating gig labour and protecting the rights of ghost workers is still growing. The Indian government has made moves in recent years to address the legal difficulties created by the gig economy, including the adoption of new labour laws and the creation of digital platforms for monitoring and regulating gig employment.

The implementation of the Code on Social Security, 2020, is one of the important initiatives made by the government to address the issues encountered by gig workers. This legislation unifies and changes various current labour laws, establishing a comprehensive framework for social security benefits for all employees, including those in the gig economy. The code defines gig workers as “platform workers” and calls for the establishment of a social security fund to provide benefits like health insurance, pensions, and maternity leave.

However, implementing the code and protecting the rights of ghost workers will necessitate a collaborative effort on the part of the government, gig platforms, and labour rights activists. The government must ensure that the code is effectively implemented and that gig platforms are held accountable for their legal obligations and responsibilities. Gig platforms must also take responsibility for their workers’ rights and well-being, and endeavour to create a fair and equitable work environment.

V The Ethical Consequences of Ghost Work in India

As the gig economy expands, it is critical to consider the ethical implications of this new type of labour. One of the biggest ethical problems with ghost labour is the possibility of worker exploitation. Many ghost workers in India are classed as independent contractors, which means they do not have the same legal rights and benefits as regular employees. This leaves them vulnerable to exploitation, including low pay, long hours, and unsafe working conditions.

Another ethical dilemma in the gig economy is the possibility of discrimination. employees in low-income nations frequently conduct ghost labour, and there is a danger that these employees may be treated unjustly because of their country or other personal traits.

The responsibility of firms in guaranteeing ethical standards in the gig economy is also a major topic. While many businesses claim to have policies in place to protect workers’ rights, these policies are frequently inadequate and difficult to enforce. Furthermore, the gig economy’s lack of transparency makes it difficult for workers and regulators to hold companies accountable for their actions.

Another important ethical consideration is the impact of ghost work on society’s social fabric. As more work is outsourced to invisible workers, traditional forms of work and employment relationships are under threat. This might have a severe influence on social cohesiveness and stability, as well as on the general well-being of employees and their families.

To address these ethical concerns, it is critical to establish clear legal frameworks for India’s gig economy. This involves making certain that all workers, including ghost workers, have access to fundamental labour rights and benefits regardless of their employment status. It also demands greater openness and responsibility from corporations, as well as enhanced regulation and monitoring from government bodies.

Aside from legal and regulatory measures, there is a need for increased awareness and education about the ethical implications of ghost work. Raising awareness among workers, businesses, and the general public about the potential risks and challenges associated with this type of work, as well as promoting best practices and ethical standards in the gig economy, are all part of this effort.

The ethical consequences of ghost labour in India are complicated and multifaceted in general. It is critical that policymakers, businesses, and workers collaborate to address these concerns and ensure that the gig economy is a fair and equitable environment for all participants. By providing clear legal frameworks, fostering transparency and accountability, and raising awareness about the ethical consequences of ghost work, it is feasible to create a more equitable and sustainable future for workers in India and throughout the world.

VI Overview of India’s Regulatory Framework for Addressing Ghost Work

The Minimum Wages Act, the Payment of Wages Act, the Contract Labour (Regulation and Abolition) Act, the Industrial Disputes Act, and the Employees’ Provident Fund and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, among others, govern labour laws in India. These laws are meant to provide employees with fundamental rights such as a living wage, social security, and safe working conditions. However, the gig economy has created a new category of workers who often do not receive these benefits.

The Indian government has taken some regulatory steps to address the issues raised by ghost work. In 2017, the Ministry of Labour and Employment announced proposed guidelines to govern the gig economy, which included steps to provide social security and minimum salaries for gig workers. These rules, however, have not yet been implemented.

In addition, the Indian judiciary has stepped in to address the issue of ghost labour. In 2018, the Delhi High Court issued an order mandating online platforms to pay minimum wages and offer social security benefits to workers engaging in ghost labour. The court also directed the government to draft a comprehensive policy to regulate the gig economy.

Difficulties in Implementing Regulations to Address Ghost Work

Regardless of the regulatory framework, enforcing labour laws in the gig economy remains a significant challenge. The nature of the gig economy, which is characterized by short-term contracts, flexible work arrangements, and a lack of traditional employer-employee relationships, is one of the primary reasons for this.

Additionally, many workers engaged in ghost work are not registered with any government agency, making it difficult for authorities to enforce labour laws. In certain circumstances, workers may be unaware of their rights under current labour laws and hence fail to report any infractions.

Moreover, the online platforms themselves may not be willing to take responsibility for the workers engaged in ghost work. Many online platforms consider themselves as intermediaries rather than employers and argue that they are not bound by labour laws applicable to traditional employers. Because of this lack of accountability, it has been difficult to hold these platforms accountable for infractions of labour laws.

VII The Importance of a Comprehensive Approach to Gig Economy Regulation

Given the challenges in implementing regulations for addressing ghost work, there is a need for a comprehensive approach to regulating the gig economy in India. This approach should be designed to ensure that workers engaged in ghost work receive adequate labour law protection while preserving the flexibility and innovation of the gig economy.

One possible answer is to develop a new type of worker who are neither regular employees nor independent contractors, but rather a combination of the two. This would allow for a balance between the flexibility of the gig economy and the protection offered by labour rules.

Another solution could be to establish a social security fund for gig workers, which could be funded by contributions from online platforms, workers, and the government. This fund might give workers with benefits such as health insurance, life insurance, and retirement benefits, so creating a safety net for people engaged in ghost labour.

VIII Legal Precedents for Ghost Work in India

Food Panda Delivery Riders Union vs. Food Panda India Private Limited (2016[i]): In this case, Food Panda delivery riders filed a complaint against the firm, stating that they were misclassified as “independent contractors” rather than workers and that they were being denied fundamental labour rights and protections. The court found in favour of the workers, determining that the riders were, in fact, employees entitled to benefits such as minimum wage, overtime pay, and social security.

Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers vs. Government of NCT of Delhi (2020)[ii]: The Indian Federation of App-Based Transport Workers brought this action in order to get gig workers recognized as employees and their rights protected under labour laws. The court noted that gig workers in India are vulnerable to abuse and a lack of social security, and ordered the government to explore developing a legal framework to protect their rights.

People Interactive (I) Pvt. Ltd vs. Vishakha and Others (2018)[iii]: In this case, the plaintiffs, who worked for a dating app firm, claimed that they were unlawfully fired after raising concerns about unfair labour practices. The court ruled that the employees were entitled to protection under labour rules and ordered the corporation to reinstate them and pay damages.

These cases highlight the need for stronger legal protection for gig workers and the importance of enforcing labour laws in the gig economy.

IX Conclusion

To summarize, ghost labour is a developing problem in India’s gig economy, with serious legal, ethical, and regulatory ramifications. The prevalence of ghost work has raised concerns about worker exploitation and discrimination, and the difficulties in enforcing labour laws in the gig economy have made it difficult to protect these workers’ rights.

Despite the difficulties, there are existing labour laws in India that protect workers in the gig economy. However, the application of these laws to the unique nature of gig work is unclear, and clearer regulations that specifically address ghost work and other forms of digital labour are needed.

Companies must also ensure ethical practices in the gig economy and take proactive measures to prevent worker exploitation. This can include improving working conditions, offering competitive wages and benefits, and establishing open lines of communication between employees and management.

In terms of policy, the government has made some measures to address the issue of ghost employment, such as planned modifications to labour laws that would give additional safeguards to gig workers. However, implementation of these regulations has been challenging, and there is a need for a comprehensive approach that takes into account the unique characteristics of the gig economy.

Finally, the topic of ghost work in India’s gig economy is complicated and varied, with legal, ethical, and regulatory ramifications. Continued efforts are required to protect the rights of ghost workers, ensure ethical practices in the gig economy, and establish clear regulations that provide workers in this sector with greater protections. Only by resolving these concerns will we be able to develop a fair and just gig economy that benefits all stakeholders.

[i] 2016 SCC OnLine Del 5329

[ii] W.P.(C) 1550/2020

[iii] 2018 SCC OnLine Bom 2009