Delhi Government Allows Women to Work Night Shifts in Shops and Commercial Establishments

New Delhi, 24th October 2025: In a landmark move, the Delhi government has formally permitted women employees to work night shifts in shops and other commercial establishments. The notification, issued on Thursday, stipulates that written consent from female employees is mandatory before they can be assigned to night duties.

The notification provides several safeguards to ensure the safety and well-being of women workers. Employees will receive double their normal wage for overtime, and weekly work is capped at 48 hours. Employers are also required to establish an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) in all establishments, as mandated under the Sexual Harassment of Women (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013.

Key Guidelines for Employers
Women employees can only work night shifts with their written consent.
No employee may work more than nine hours a day, including meal breaks, and more than 48 hours a week.
Continuous work beyond five hours is prohibited.
Employers must provide adequate security, transportation, and facilities for night-shift or overtime employees.
Shift schedules should prevent any employee from being forced to work exclusively at night.
CCTV cameras must be installed in workplaces employing women at night, with footage preserved for at least one month. Recordings must be submitted to the Chief Inspector (Shops Department) if required.

Lieutenant Governor VK Saxena had approved the proposal earlier this year. Following this, the Delhi Labor Department amended the Delhi Shopkeepers and Commercial Establishments Act, 1954, adding provisions related to the employment and working conditions of women.

The government emphasized that these measures are intended to balance workplace flexibility with the safety and welfare of women employees, ensuring a secure and supportive environment for night-time employment.