The Government of Maharashtra, on December 30, 2025, issued a circular in reference to communications received from the State Election Commission, Maharashtra, regarding facilitation of voting rights of employees during elections. The circular has been issued in view of the democratic obligation of eligible voters to exercise their franchise, as envisaged under Section 135(B) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
The State Election Commission has scheduled general municipal elections in 29 Municipal Corporations across Maharashtra on January 15, 2026. To ensure that all eligible voters are able to exercise their right to vote, the Government has directed that employees, officers, and workers who are registered voters in the election area shall be granted paid leave on the polling day, even if they are employed outside the concerned voting jurisdiction. The directions apply to all establishments under the Industries, Energy and Labour Department, including private companies, factories, shops, commercial establishments, hotels, restaurants, IT companies, malls, retail outlets, and other industrial or commercial units.
In exceptional circumstances where granting a full day’s leave may result in substantial loss or disruption of essential or public utility services, employers are required to provide a special voting concession of two to three hours instead of a full holiday. Employers and managements are instructed to strictly comply with these provisions, and failure to provide the required leave or concession—resulting in denial of voting rights—may attract action against the concerned establishment. The circular has been issued pursuant to the directions of the State Election Commission and has been digitally authenticated for official use.
[Circular No. 2025/200/-9]
