Is October 2nd a Mandatory Holiday in India? Seeking Clarity for Our Offices in Pune and Thane

We are the distributor of one of the companies. For the last 25 years, we have been the distributor of that company, which falls under the Shops and Establishment Act. Please let us know whether 2nd October is a compulsory holiday in India and if it is a national holiday. Our office is located in Pune, and our branch is in Thane, Maharashtra. We have not yet declared a holiday as our management wants a clear decision on this matter. Your early action in this regard will be highly appreciated.

Dear Jayant,

Yes, it is a national holiday, as there are normally four national holidays which are - 26th January, 1st May, 15th August, and 2nd October. If you are operating within Maharashtra and fall under the Maharashtra S&E Act, then it is compulsory for you to provide eight days as paid holidays to your staff.

Dear all,

The National Holidays Act applies to all factories, shops, and establishments, including your organization. On 2nd Oct., Mahatma Gandhi Jayanti is declared a holiday, making it a compulsory non-working day.

Regards,

Dear All,

What if staff have not been given holidays on the mentioned National Holidays as stated by Mr. RDS Yadav? If it is the management's decision that there are no holidays and they have to work, many private companies have not granted holidays on 2nd October. No staff can question management, as their decision is final. In this case, even HR cannot do anything.

I agree with the opinion of Sakhi12. However, if you look from the perspective of Labour Laws, 2nd Oct is a National Holiday. The State National & Festival Holidays Act also supports this view.

Hence, it is for management to decide whether 2nd Oct should be declared as a holiday or not.