Archive · 12 Sep 2026
Gujarat Passes Business Bill Allowing Shops To Stay Open 24/7
Gujarat has approved a new law to make it easier for businesses to operate.
Some shops, malls and other businesses may now stay open 24 hours a day, every day.
Previously, many businesses had to close during parts of the night.
Workers still cannot be made to work all the time.
Rules about rest, leave, working hours and safety will continue.
Businesses must also protect cleanliness, traffic flow and public safety.
The law changes 12 rules across five state laws.
It also allows delayed government requests or complaints to move automatically to a higher official.
The government says the changes could support investment, small businesses and jobs.
Gujarat has passed the Ease of Doing Business Bill 2026, allowing eligible shops, malls and commercial establishments to operate around the clock.
The bill removes earlier closure requirements, including restrictions generally covering 2 am to 6 am or 11 pm to 6 am.
Worker protections on working hours, rest intervals, leave, employment conditions and safety remain in force.
The legislation contains 12 amendments across five state laws, including risk-based fire-safety rules and simpler business registration.
It also introduces auto-appeal and auto-escalation systems for delayed government services and complaints.
- Who
- The Gujarat government and Minister of State for Industry Dr Jairam Gamit announced the reforms; eligible commercial establishments will be affected.
- What
- Gujarat passed the Ease of Doing Business Bill 2026, permitting eligible establishments to operate 24 hours a day, seven days a week, while simplifying several regulations.
- When
- The bill was passed in 2026.
- Where
- Gujarat, India.
- Why
- The reforms are intended to reduce regulatory burdens, support businesses and improve accountability in government services while preserving worker rights and public-safety requirements.
- Legislation
- Ease of Doing Business Bill 2026
- Operating hours
- Eligible establishments may remain open 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
- Previous restrictions
- Many establishments previously faced closure periods of 2 am to 6 am or 11 pm to 6 am, depending on location.
- Scope
- The bill contains 12 amendments across five state laws.
- Business measures
- Changes include risk-based fire-safety regulations, easier Shops and Establishments Act registration, and support for micro, small and medium enterprises.
- Digital governance
- Unresolved government services or complaints can automatically move to a higher authority after a deadline.
- Safeguards
- Working-hour, rest, leave, employment, worker-safety, cleanliness, traffic-management and public-safety rules continue to apply.