The state [Karnataka] passed an amendment to its application of the factories act, which now allows for 12-hour shifts [up from 9], and the easing of rules for night-time work for women. The legislation increases the number of allowable overtime hours to 145 over a three-month period, up from 75, and caps maximum working hours at 48 per week [this is toothless].

Apple and its manufacturing partner Foxconn were involved in lobbying for a significant liberalisation of labour laws...There are “a lot of inputs" from industry lobby groups and foreign companies, including Foxconn and Apple, in the decision to amend Karnataka’s labour law.