The Fact News Service
Chandigarh, March 28
A peculiar administrative oversight has come to light in Haryana, raising concerns over the state government’s holiday notification policies.
In a letter addressed to His Excellency the Governor, Chief Minister, and the Chief Secretary of Haryana, Advocate Hemant Kumar of the Punjab and Haryana High Court has highlighted a discrepancy regarding the status of Monday, March 31, 2025, declared as the date for Eid-ul-Fitr celebrations.
According to a recent notification from the Haryana Government (Memo No. 28/67/2008-1HR-1, dated March 26, 2025), the public holiday for Eid-ul-Fitr on March 31 has been downgraded from a Gazetted Holiday to a Restricted Holiday. The decision, as cited, stems from the fact that March 29 and 30 are weekend off days, and March 31 marks the critical closing day of the Financial Year 2024-25. The government likely aimed to ensure operational continuity for administrative and financial purposes on this significant date.
However, Advocate Kumar points out a glaring inconsistency: despite the state’s decision to observe a Restricted Holiday, March 31, 2025, remains listed as a Public Holiday under Section 25 of the Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881. This legal provision mandates the closure of banks and financial institutions across the state, creating a paradoxical situation. While government offices may remain functional under the Restricted Holiday status, banks and other key financial entities will be shut, potentially disrupting year-end financial operations.
In his letter, Kumar describes the situation as “strange and weird,” emphasizing the confusion it could cause. “It is highly hoped that your good-self would take due and prompt cognizance and wisely order appropriate action at the earliest,” he urges the authorities, calling for a swift resolution to align the holiday classifications.
The advocate’s plea underscores a broader issue of coordination between state policy and statutory regulations, leaving citizens and institutions in limbo as the financial year draws to a close. As of now, no official response has been issued by the Haryana Government, but the matter is expected to draw attention in the coming days.
Kumar has also requested an acknowledgment of his communication, expressing gratitude in advance for the anticipated action. With Eid-ul-Fitr just days away, all eyes are on the state administration to clarify this holiday tangle and ensure a smooth transition into the new financial year.
