The Rise of Moonlighting in India

Exclusive employment agreements are the standard in India. Be it government/PSU/Private, a mutual agreement is signed which lays down the terms of employment, conduct rules and service conditions. Moonlighting has recently become more widespread, partly due to the socio-economic demands created by the COVID-19 pandemic. Nowadays, employers are aware of the prevalence of moonlighting and, in some cases, have even come to accept it as an essential part of the changing nature of the workforce. In light of recent technological changes and the COVID-19 pandemic, more people are looking to maximise their time and resources. It has put moonlighting in the spotlight. This essay aims to understand the idea of moonlighting, its many viewpoints, and the legal situation in India. Based on secondary data, the study's research design is descriptive. The researchers have concluded that India still needs a specific rule on moonlighting for all professions. Depending on the employers and the conditions of their employment, moonlighting may or may not be legal. Companies may include a moonlighting exclusivity clause and a conflict-of-interest clause in the employment agreement. But if trust or loyalty is lacking, legal safeguards alone won't produce the desired outcome. Companies may usher in a new era of employment even as they implement a policy allowing moonlighting avoiding conflict of interest and will have no adverse consequences on productivity.