Karnataka Removes Night‑Shift Safety Clauses for Women in Shops Act
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AI-generated summary of the coverage listed below: In early 2026, Karnataka amended its Shops and Commercial Establishments Act, stripping several provisions that protected women workers during night shifts. The changes, approved by the governor and published in the official gazette, eliminated clauses 25(1)(h) through 25(1)(o), which had mandated safe transportation and other safeguards for female employees working after dark. The amendment has prompted protests from labor groups who argue the move weakens workplace safety and could expose women to increased risks.
Covered by 4 outlets across the spectrum: 0% left, 50% center, 50% right.
Who is covering this story
- Center (1): The New Indian Express
- Right-leaning (1): Deccan Chronicle
Sources
- Association Demands Restoration Of Safeguards Governing Women's Night-Shift Transportation And Safety — Deccan Chronicle (right-leaning)
- Karnataka Amends Shops Act, Drops Certain Night-Shift Safeguards For Women Employees — Deccan Chronicle (right-leaning)
- Gujarat assembly passes ease of doing business bill, paves way for 24x7 commercial operations — The New Indian Express (center)
- KITU opposes removal of safety safeguards for women in Karnataka night shifts — The New Indian Express (center)