Puducherry Paid Holiday on 09th April 2026
The Government of Puducherry has declared Thursday, 9 April 2026 as a public and paid holiday across the Union Territory, ahead of the General Elections to the Puducherry Legislative Assembly, 2026. The aim is to give every eligible employee the time to vote without losing a day's pay.
Who the Holiday Applies To
The holiday covers most workplaces in Puducherry, including:
- Government offices and institutions
- Local bodies
- Commercial establishments
- Industrial establishments
In practice, this means the large majority of workplaces across the Union Territory will be closed on 9 April 2026.
Paid Holiday, Including for Daily Wage Workers
This is a paid holiday, not just a day off. Employees receive their regular wages for the day, and this protection extends to daily wage workers as well — nobody should lose income for taking the day to vote.
Legal Basis
The holiday is declared under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, and Section 135B of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Together, these provisions give the government the authority to grant paid leave during elections so employees can vote.
What Employers Should Do
Employers in Puducherry should treat 9 April 2026 as a mandatory paid holiday: employees should not be required to work that day, and no wages should be deducted, including for daily wage workers. Not complying with this can create legal and compliance risk for the employer.