MANOHAR LAL vs THE STATE OF PUNJAB

The Supreme Court upheld the constitutionality of Section 7(1) of the Punjab Trade Employees Act, 1940, which mandates that every shop must remain closed on a designated 'close day' chosen by the shopkeeper. The Court ruled that this restriction is reasonable under Article 19(6) of the Constitution, as it serves the welfare of employees and protects their health by preventing overwork. The appellant's claim that the Act violated his fundamental rights under Articles 14 and 19(1)(f) and (g) was dismissed, affirming the validity of the provisions aimed at ensuring administrative convenience and worker protection.