What is Garden Leave?
Garden leave is a notice period during which the employer asks you not to work, or not to come in, but still pays you and keeps you employed until the notice ends. It is a contract term, not a statutory right, and the Labour Codes do not define it. You usually cannot start the new job until it ends.
Example
You resign with a 60-day notice. The employer places you on garden leave for 60 days, pays salary and benefits, and removes system access. Your last working day, and F&F, follow the contract.
Related
See notice period and notice period buyout.
Related terms and guides
Sources
- The Code on Wages, 2019, https://www.labour.gov.in/static/uploads/2025/06/c328da14bbb15fc4ad571dc33e7a4ab3.pdf, live official page, linked for readers; link checked 2026-10-31
- Ministry of Labour and Employment, Compliance Handbook for Employers under the Four Labour Codes, https://www.labour.gov.in/static/uploads/2026/02/83978455025732b99b0165def80ab171.pdf, live official page, linked for readers; link checked 2026-10-31
This is general information, not legal, tax or immigration advice. Rules change and your situation may differ. Consult a licensed attorney or qualified adviser.