Srinagar: The Jammu and Kashmir government has announced that November 11, 2025 (Tuesday) will be observed as a paid holiday in connection with the by-elections to Assembly Constituencies 27-Budgam and 77-Nagrota.
The decision has been taken under Section 135B of the Representation of Peoples Act, 1951, as per Government Order No. 1355-JK(GAD) of 2025, issued by the General Administration Department on October 16, 2025.
According to the order, the poll day will be treated as a paid holiday for all persons employed in any business, trade, industrial undertaking, or other establishments who are entitled to vote in these constituencies. No deduction or abatement of wages shall be made on account of the holiday.
The order further states that any employer who contravenes the provision shall be liable to a fine extending up to five hundred rupees. However, the rule will not apply to any elector whose absence may cause danger or substantial loss to the employment in which they are engaged.
The government has clarified that this paid holiday will also be recognised under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881, ensuring that all government and private offices falling under the notified constituencies observe the closure on the poll day.
