MANOHAR LAL vs THE STATE

The Supreme Court upheld the conviction of the appellant under Section 16 of the Punjab Trade Employees Act, 1940, for keeping his shop open on a designated close day, despite his claim of exemption under Section 2-A clauses (i) and (j). The Court ruled that the provincial government had the authority to regulate shop hours under item 27 of the Legislative List, and that the appellant's role as an owner was distinct from that of a manager, thus not qualifying for exemption. The Court concluded that the appellant's son selling goods did not absolve him of liability for violating the Act.