INDIAN OXYGEN LTD. vs STATE OF BIHAR & ORS.

The Supreme Court held that under Section 3 of the Bihar Industrial Establishments (National and Festival Holidays and Casual Leave) Act, 1977, the International Labour Day (1st May) is a mandatory holiday but does not entitle employees to an additional paid holiday beyond those specified in a settlement. The Court clarified that the eight holidays prescribed by the statute are minimum entitlements and do not exclude or add to the holidays agreed upon in the settlement. The appeal was allowed, affirming that the management could adjust the holidays as per the settlement without violating statutory provisions.