No central legislation exists on the subject as these are issues relating to State legislatures. Almost all states have framed their own laws on the subject. All the states have made provisions for leaves, including national holidays, in their respective Shop & establishments Acts and rules. Republic Day (January 26), Independence Day (August 15), and Gandhi Jayanti (October 2) are the three national holidays observed in India. Some states have declared May Day as a national holiday. Observance of these national holidays is mandatory for all institutions, irrespective of the law under which they are covered, or whether they are public or private organizations or MNCs. They all should necessarily remain closed.
On the other hand, festival holidays are decided based on the local festivals of that locality and are granted to employees in accordance with company policies.
Sh. B. Saikumar has provided you with the correct information regarding 2nd October as a holiday being Gandhi Jayanti under the Bombay Shops Act.
Some states have enacted separate legislation for administering national, festival holidays, casual, and sick leaves. I have come across the following states which have separate enactments:
(i) Haryana (National & Festival holidays & Casual & Sick leave) Act & Rules
(ii) Punjab (National & Festival holidays & Casual & Sick leave) Act, 1965 & Rules
(iii) The Odisha Industrial Establishment (National & Festival) Holidays Act, 1969 & Rules
Likewise, there must be other states too.
Regards,
BS Kalsi
Member since Aug 2011