Confused About Public Holiday Laws? Which Act Requires 13 Holidays Annually?

Dear Seniors, I am confused about which act specifies that all establishments must provide 13 public holidays in a year (i.e., 4 national holidays + 9 festival holidays). Can you help me?

Hi, you need to refer to the Industrial Establishments (National and Festival Holidays) Act, 1958 for notification.

As Lakshmi Narayan said, refer to the same. Additionally, in a few states, the state governments, such as Telangana and Maharashtra, have incorporated this requirement into the Shops and Commercial Establishment Act as well.

Check State Gazette Notifications

Check your state gazette notification as well as national and festival acts.

Review for Relevant Information

Please review your state's gazette notifications, as well as national and festival acts for any relevant information.

I presume Nikhil is referring to a situation in Kerala because no other state than Kerala has such a number of holidays, i.e., 4 national holidays and 9 festival holidays. If I am not wrong, Nikhil can refer to the Kerala Industrial Establishments (National and Festival Holidays) Act.

Please check as per your state's act and notification.

Regards, Sandeep Tomar
Head HR, Legal, IR
Gurgaon