Most of the businesses takes place by this important regulation in India.  Every state has different Shop and establishment Act and every state may have same or different provisions. Main objective of this Act is to regulate the provisions of the payment of wages, hours of work of employees, leave (compulsory leaves as how much leaves must be provided to a particular person), holidays, terms of service and such other work conditions of employees who works under the Shop and commercial establishments.

In India, The Department of Labour regulates provisions of Shop and Establishment Act and checks the place of work where trade, business or any profession being carried out. This Act also governs societies, charitable trusts, printing establishments, educational institutions run for gain and premises in which banking, insurance, stock or share brokerage. And also the provisions related to working hours, rest interval for employees, opening and closing hours, closed days, national and religious holidays, overtime work, rules and regulations for employment of children, annual leaves, maternity leaves, sickness and casual leaves, etc. 

According to the provisions of Shop Act, generally “Shop” means the place where goods can be sold and services can be rendered, which may include an office, store room, warehouse. Establishments covers a shop, any commercial establishment, hotel, restaurant, etc. It may also include which  are covered in the notification in Official Gazette. Factories are governed by Factories Act, 1948 but not under Shop & Establishment Act.