The Government of Punjab has issued a notification allowing shops and establishments registered under the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958 to remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week, on all days of the year, subject to prescribed compliance conditions.
For businesses, this provides greater flexibility to plan extended hours and round-the-clock operations. Employers must continue to meet the labour-law obligations specified in the notification.
Particulars | Details |
|---|---|
Issuing authority | Government of Punjab, Department of Labour, Labour Branch |
Notification number | LabOPSCA/2/2024-5L/453 |
Notification date | 24 September 2026 |
Gazette publication date | 2 October 2026 |
Gazette reference | Punjab Government Gazette, Part I, No. 40, pages 1943–1944 |
Enabling provision | Section 28 of the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958 |
Exemption granted | Section 9 and Section 10(1) of the Act |
Coverage | Shops and establishments registered under the Act in Punjab |
Duration | Until further orders or specific or general withdrawal |
The notification does not expressly specify a separate commencement date. Its issue date and Gazette publication date should therefore be recorded distinctly.
Conditions attached to the permission
The notification sets out four principal compliance requirements:
Area | Requirement |
|---|---|
Prevention of sexual harassment | Implement the applicable provisions of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013, together with the relevant rules and instructions. |
Women working night shifts | Comply with the Labour Department’s conditions for employing women during night shifts, as issued from time to time. |
Child and adolescent labour | Implement the provisions of the Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986, as amended. |
Labour Codes | Comply with the provisions of the Code on Wages, Code on Social Security, Industrial Relations Code, and Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, together with their rules. |
What does this mean for employers?
The permission enables an establishment to remain open continuously. Employers should plan staffing through appropriate shifts while observing applicable requirements relating to working hours, rest, weekly holidays, overtime, wages and workplace safety.
The exemption is expressly confined to Section 9 and Section 10(1). Employers should avoid treating it as a general exemption from the Act or other employment obligations.
For women working night shifts, the notification refers to Labour Department instructions issued separately. Employers should check those instructions before introducing or expanding night-shift arrangements.
Can the permission be withdrawn?
Yes. Where an establishment violates any condition of the notification or any other provision of the Act, the competent authority may revoke or withdraw the exemption after providing an opportunity of being heard.
The authority may also fix operating timings specifically or generally for the establishments concerned.
The exemption has no fixed expiry date in the notification. However, the Government retains the right to review it at any time based on requirements or administrative grounds.
Practical action for businesses
Before adopting 24×7 operations, employers should:
Verify registration under the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958.
Review shift schedules, rest arrangements, weekly holidays and overtime controls.
Check applicable conditions for employing women during night shifts.
Review POSH implementation and child and adolescent labour compliance.
Maintain records demonstrating compliance with the notification’s conditions.
For Punjab businesses, the notification creates an opportunity to extend customer access and operating hours, supported by properly planned staffing and statutory compliance.