A very good question indeed! If we analyse the application clause of the Payment of Gratuity Act,1972 u/s 1(3), we will find that the employment of the minimum number of 10 employees is the necessary criterion for applicability of the Act only in respect of the shops or establishments so defined as such by any Law in force in the State and such other establishments notified by the Central Govt under ss 1(3) (b) and (c) respectively. Such a shop or other establishment can be a single unit or an entity comprising of several units/branches in different locations. When it is a latter entity comprising of different branches, it should be treated as an organic whole and the employees in the branches would be covered by that Act not withstanding the strength of each branch. For obvious reasons the branches may be closed separately at any time or along with the entity as a whole. Therefore the notice of closure in Form C should be submitted before 60 days on any such occasion to the Controlling Authority.