Workdays Rule – In a landmark and controversial ruling, the Supreme Court of India has declared that all days will now be considered official workdays for government employees. This historic decision effectively abolishes all public holidays, including bank holidays, restricted holidays, and even casual leaves previously allotted to staff. The move is aimed at “enhancing administrative efficiency” but has sparked intense debate nationwide. Let’s explore what this drastic change means for government employees, how it impacts Indian citizens, and what comes next.
Supreme Court Ruling: What Happened and Why?
The Supreme Court, in its ruling passed on 24 June 2025, cited the growing backlog in government functioning, judicial delays, and economic slowdown as the key reasons for mandating continuous workdays.
Key Highlights of the Verdict:
- All Saturdays and Sundays will now be working days for central and state government staff.
- No religious, regional, or national holidays (including Diwali, Eid, Holi, or Independence Day) will be granted as official leave.
- Bank employees will also adhere to the new schedule, affecting banking services and transaction calendars.
- Emergency leave or medical leave will be allowed only under strict documentation.
This sweeping decision is being implemented under Article 309 of the Constitution, which governs service conditions for government employees.
List of Cancelled Holidays: Complete Overview
The Supreme Court’s order directly nullifies all previously recognized public holidays. Here’s a list of commonly observed holidays that are now abolished:
| Cancelled Holiday | Was Observed On | Type of Leave | Department Affected |
|---|---|---|---|
| Republic Day | 26 January | Gazetted Holiday | All Govt. Offices |
| Holi | March (Date varies) | Restricted Holiday | Schools, Govt Staff |
| Good Friday | March/April | Gazetted Holiday | All Sectors |
| Eid-ul-Fitr | April (Date varies) | Gazetted Holiday | National Level |
| Independence Day | 15 August | National Holiday | All Government Offices |
| Diwali | October/November | Gazetted Holiday | Offices, Banks, Schools |
| Christmas | 25 December | Gazetted Holiday | All Departments |
| Second & Fourth Saturdays | Twice Monthly | Weekly Off | Banks |
This ruling will apply from 1 July 2025, unless any revision or stay is issued by the Centre or President.
Reactions from Employees and Trade Unions
The announcement has created a wave of anxiety and anger among central and state government employees, especially bank workers, teachers, and public sector units.
Reactions Include:
- Protests and strikes announced by the All India Government Employees Federation (AIGEF).
- Online petitions demanding reversal of the ruling have crossed 10 lakh signatures within 48 hours.
- Legal reviews are underway to challenge the interpretation of “workdays” under existing labor laws.
Many employees have expressed mental health concerns and logistical issues such as child care and travel costs.
Government’s Stand: What Officials Are Saying
The Union Ministry of Personnel has backed the ruling, calling it a necessary step toward a “high-performance governance model.” According to the ministry:
- Productivity in key departments had fallen by 28% due to frequent leave-taking.
- Pending files and decisions across ministries are at a 10-year high.
- India’s Ease of Doing Business ranking has suffered due to administrative delays.
Government insiders believe the Supreme Court ruling will be used as a model to restructure work culture in PSU banks, railway services, and judiciary systems.
Impact on Banks and General Public
Banks, which traditionally closed on 2nd and 4th Saturdays, all Sundays, and public holidays, will now operate 365 days a year. This will significantly alter transaction timelines, customer service schedules, and backend operations.
Likely Changes in Banking Services:
| Area of Impact | Old System | New Post-Ruling System |
|---|---|---|
| Working Days | 22-24 per month | 30-31 per month |
| NEFT/RTGS Timings | Limited on holidays | Continuous throughout month |
| Cheque Clearing | No clearing on holidays | 7-day clearing |
| Loan Processing | Delayed during holidays | Faster and uninterrupted |
| Employee Workload | Balanced with off-days | Increased daily pressure |
| Customer Service | Delayed responses on holidays | Real-time support expected |
| Monthly Leaves | 2-4 casual leaves/month | Cancelled unless emergency |
| Festival Season Closure | 3–4 days off in Oct–Dec | No closures during festivals |
Banks may introduce rotational shifts to accommodate the extended schedule and prevent burnout.
Legal and Political Implications
This ruling could face constitutional challenges in the coming weeks. Critics argue that it violates basic labor rights and disrupts cultural practices.
Possible Developments:
- Trade unions may approach the President for intervention under Article 72.
- Political parties are planning nationwide protests and social campaigns.
- High Courts across states may receive PILs against the enforceability of this order.
Experts predict a temporary stay might be issued to assess the socioeconomic fallout of the decision.
What This Means for You
If you are a central/state government employee, bank worker, teacher, or PSU staffer, you should immediately:
- Check updated HR circulars for new attendance and leave rules.
- Plan travel or medical appointments accordingly.
- Avoid depending on festival closures for personal plans.
- Rework your work-life balance strategies for the long term.
The Supreme Court’s decision marks a turning point in how India views public sector employment.
The Supreme Court’s decision to cancel all bank holidays and extra leaves for government staff is perhaps one of the most dramatic workplace changes in India’s recent history. While the intent behind the move is to boost efficiency and reduce administrative delay, its real-world implications could be disruptive for millions of employees and their families.
Whether this move stands the test of legal scrutiny or gets reversed in the coming weeks remains to be seen. For now, the workforce must brace for a no-break, high-intensity work model, setting a new precedent for public administration.
FAQs
Q1. From when will the Supreme Court’s workday order be applicable?
A1. The ruling is scheduled to come into effect from 1 July 2025 across India.
Q2. Does this ruling apply to private sector companies as well?
A2. No, the order only applies to government departments, banks, public sector undertakings, and related bodies.
Q3. Will emergency or medical leave still be allowed?
A3. Yes, but only under strict conditions and documented proof. Casual and festival leaves are completely cancelled.
Q4. Can this order be challenged in court?
A4. Yes, trade unions and legal experts are planning to file PILs and request a constitutional review of the decision.
Q5. Are schools and colleges also included in this ruling?
A5. Yes, all government-run educational institutions will now follow the 365-day work schedule as per the order.