Law Updates

Subject

Summary: The Assam Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Act, 2026 changes several day-to-day compliance requirements for shops and establishments in the State. The law received the Governor’s assent on 31 August 2026 and was published in the Assam Gazette Extraordinary on 2 September 2026 as Assam Act No. XVII of 2026. The Gazette says that the Amendment Act comes into force “at once.” For businesses, the changes go well beyond a change in terminology. The amendment deals with establishments employing fewer than ten workers, closure notices, employee compensation, workplace safety, overtime wages, appointment letters, identity cards, earned leave, inspections, penalties and appeals. The immediate job for employers is simple: check whether their current HR, payroll, workplace and statutory compliance practices still align with the amended law. Assam Shops and Establishment Amendment Act 2026 at a Glance