Andhra Pradesh Notification – Paid Holiday for Tamil Nadu & Puducherry Elections 2026

The Department of Labour, Factories, Boilers & Insurance Medical Services, Andhra Pradesh has issued a notification declaring a paid holiday for employees in connection with the upcoming Legislative Assembly Elections 2026 in the States of Tamil Nadu and Union Territory of Puducherry.

Legal Basis

The notification has been issued in line with the provisions of Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, which mandates that every eligible voter employed in any establishment must be provided sufficient opportunity to exercise their voting rights.

Key Compliance Requirements

Employers are required to ensure the following:

• A paid holiday must be granted to all employees who are registered voters in Tamil Nadu or Puducherry on the respective polling dates.

• The benefit extends to all categories of employees, including:

  • Permanent employees

  • Contractual employees

  • Casual and daily wage workers

• No deduction of wages shall be made for the said holiday.

• The holiday must be provided even if the employee is working outside their home constituency/state.

Polling Dates Covered

• Tamil Nadu Elections: 23 April 2026

• Puducherry Elections: 9 April 2026

Employer Responsibility & Risk Exposure

Employers must note that:

• Denial of paid leave or deduction of wages for the polling day is treated as a statutory violation.

• Non-compliance may attract penalty provisions under Section 135B, which include monetary fines.

• Labour authorities may conduct inspections or seek compliance confirmation during election periods.

Practical Advisory for Employers (PCS Perspective)

From a compliance and audit standpoint, it is advisable that employers:

• Maintain a record of employees availing election leave

• Circulate an internal communication informing employees of their entitlement

• Ensure alignment in payroll processing (no deduction tagging)

• Extend applicability to outsourced / third-party manpower through contractor compliance

Conclusion

This notification reinforces the statutory obligation of employers to support democratic participation by ensuring that employees are not deprived of their right to vote due to work commitments. Organisations must treat this as a mandatory compliance requirement, not merely an administrative formality.