Delhi Shops & Establishments (Amendment) Act, 2026
March 15, 2026
948
Key Compliance Changes for Employers
Date of Gazette Notification: 11 March 2026
Act: Delhi Shops & Establishments (Amendment) Act, 2026
Principal Act: Delhi Shops & Establishments Act, 1954
The Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi has notified the Delhi Shops & Establishments (Amendment) Act, 2026, introducing significant changes relating to applicability of the Act, working hours, overtime limits, employment of young persons, and employment of women during night shifts.
This advisory summarizes the key amendments and the compliance implications for employers operating in Delhi.
- Applicability of the Act
| Particulars | Earlier Provision | Amended Provision |
| Coverage of the Act | Applied broadly to shops & establishments | Applicable to shops and establishments employing 20 or more employees |
Employer Action
- Establishments should review employee strength to determine applicability of the Act.
- Organizations employing 20 or more employees must ensure full compliance with the provisions of the Act.
- Change in Age Criteria
| Particulars | Earlier Provision | Amended Provision |
| Age reference in Section 2 | 12 years | 14 years |
Implication
The amendment aligns the Act with modern child labour regulations, reinforcing restrictions on employment of children.
- Working Hours for Employees
| Provision | Earlier | Amended |
| Daily Working Hours | 9 hours | 10 hours (including rest interval and lunch break) |
| Weekly Working Hours | 54 hours | 60 hours per week |
| Overtime Limit | 150 hours per year | 144 hours per quarter |
Implication
Employers may allow extended working hours, but must ensure:
- Proper tracking of working hours
- Compliance with revised overtime limits
- Payment of overtime wages where applicable
- Continuous Working Hours Before Break
| Provision | Earlier | Amended |
| Maximum continuous work | 5 hours | 6 hours |
Implication
Employers must provide mandatory rest intervals after 6 hours of continuous work.
- Spread-Over of Working Hours
| Provision | Earlier | Amended |
| Maximum spread-over | 10.5 hours (commercial establishments) / 12 hours (shops) | Uniform limit of 12 hours |
Implication
The amendment simplifies compliance by introducing a uniform spread-over limit.
- Employment of Women in Night Shifts
The amendment replaces Section 14 of the Act and allows women to work during night shifts subject to safeguards.
Permissible Night Shift Timings
| Season | Time Period |
| Summer | 9:00 PM to 7:00 AM |
| Winter | 8:00 PM to 8:00 AM |
Mandatory Conditions for Employers
Employers must ensure the following before employing women during night shifts:
- Written consent of the woman employee
- Adequate CCTV surveillance
- Security arrangements at the workplace
- Safe transport facility for women employees, including contract workers
- Minimum two women employees present during night shifts
- Compliance with POSH Act, 2013 (Prevention of Sexual Harassment at Workplace)
- Compliance with any additional conditions notified by the Delhi Government
Maternity Protection
- Women cannot be employed for six weeks after childbirth or miscarriage.
Key Employer Compliance Actions
Employers operating in Delhi should consider the following actions:
✔ Review applicability of the Act based on employee strength
✔ Update HR policies and shift policies
✔ Revise working hours and overtime tracking systems
✔ Implement night shift safety protocols for women employees
✔ Ensure POSH compliance and workplace safety measures
✔ Maintain written consent records for women working night shifts
Effective Date
The amendment will come into force from the date notified by the Government of NCT of Delhi in the Official Gazette i.e. 11th March 2026.
Please find attached the official notification.
