On March 11, 2026, The Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi notified the Delhi Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Act, 2026. The notification introduces changes to coverage, working hours and conditions for women working night shifts.

However, it will come into force only from the date separately notified by the Delhi Government. Please find the notification attached to this blog.

The changes to the existing provisions are as follows:
1. The Act will now apply to shops and establishments employing 20 or more employees.

2. On working hours, the daily limit has been increased from nine hours to ten hours inclusive of rest interval and lunch break. It also increases the weekly cap for such work from 54 hours to 60 hours, while changing the aggregate limit from 150 hours in a year to 144 hours in a quarter. In addition, the maximum continuous working period is increased from five hours to six hours, and the spread-over limit is standardised at 12 hours.

3. On conditions for employing women in the night shift, the amendment replaces Section 14 to enable women to work in all establishments, including during night shifts, subject to their written consent and specified safeguards. These safeguards include CCTV surveillance, security and transport arrangements, a requirement to have at least two women employees during the notified period, compliance with the POSH Act, 2013, and restrictions on employing women during the six weeks following confinement or miscarriage. Further, summer and winter time bands for such night work have also been set out in the notification.