The Act regulates the working of commercial establishments, charitable trusts, societies, printing establishments, educational institutions that are established for making a profit, premises where banking, stock or share brokerage, insurance is carried on. It also regulates time and conditions of payment, weekly holidays, wages for holidays, working hours, rest intervals, opening and closing hours, deductions from wages, leave policy etc.
This Act is a State Act and applicable to the whole state of Karnataka. Within 30 days of commencement of the operations, new shops or commercial establishments are required to apply for registration. The registration is to be submitted to the Labour inspector of that Area. After verification of the application, the new shop or establishment shall be registered and is valid for a period of 5 years and is renewable.
A child (person who has not completed the age of 14 years) is prohibited from employment. A young person (who is above 14 years but has not completed 18 years of age) and a woman are not allowed to work in an establishment during night.
[Suggested Read: District, State and National Legal Service Authorities In India]
- Every State enacts a Shop and commercial establishment legislation and there are variations in the specifications of each Act.
- The Act governs a varied range of aspects of business such as opening, working and closing hours, holidays, terms and conditions of wages, structural regulations, fire precautions, maternity leave, overtime etc.
- Department of Labour regulates the Act and it is extended from shops that engage in the sale of goods, retail or wholesale or in providing services to customers to charitable organizations, hotels, restaurants, entertainment venues, etc.
- Shops and establishments need to be registered within a specified duration of opening such as 30 days fixed by Karnataka.
- A child under 14 cannot be employed while women cannot work during the night
