RAMDHANDAS AND ANOTHER vs THE STATE OF PUNJAB

The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of Sections 7 and 9 of the Punjab Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, 1958, which limit working hours to forty-eight per week and regulate opening and closing times. The Court ruled that these provisions are intra vires the Constitution, as they aim to provide better working conditions and prevent overstrain on employees, thus serving the public interest. The petitioners' claim that these restrictions were unreasonable was rejected, affirming that the regulations are necessary for employee health and efficiency.