Can my employer force me to work beyond my contracted hours without extra pay?

Labour laws generally require overtime compensation for hours worked beyond the statutorily prescribed limits, typically at a higher rate than your regular pay, for eligible categories of workers/employees — the specific applicability can depend on your role, industry, and whether you fall under "workman" or a different classification under the relevant law.

If you're entitled to overtime under the applicable law and it's not being paid, you can raise this with the labour authorities, who can direct the employer to pay what's owed, and in serious or persistent cases of violation, the employer can also face penalties.

Certain categories of employees, particularly those in more senior managerial or supervisory roles, may fall outside the overtime protection depending on the specific legal classification applicable to their role — this distinction can be genuinely fact-specific. It would help to discuss your exact job role, hours, and industry with a labour lawyer to assess whether overtime protection applies to you and how best to pursue any unpaid amount.