On Tuesday, March 17, the Supreme Court of India rejected a petition that sought to declare Guru Gobind Jayanti a national holiday.
A Bench of Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta heard the matter and declined to grant relief in a writ petition filed in 2020 by the All-India Shiromani Singh Sabha.
During the hearing, Justice Mehta remarked that India already had numerous holidays and said the Court should avoid adding more. The Bench made it clear that it did not intend to entertain the petition and later dismissed it.
Petitioner Seeks Guru Gobind Jayanti National Holiday and Uniform Public Holiday Policy
Appearing for the petitioner, Vikas Singh urged the Court to examine the broader issue raised in the petition. He argued for a uniform policy governing the declaration of public holidays nationwide.
The petition also sought directions to establish a framework for declaring national holidays. According to the petitioner, political groups often influence such decisions.
However, the Bench declined to issue any directions.
Supreme Court Notes Executive Instructions Influence Holidays
The petitioner organisation raised concerns about the absence of legislation governing public holidays in India. It argued that authorities currently rely on executive instructions to declare holidays.
The plea compared this system with practices in other jurisdictions. It noted that New Zealand, the United Kingdom, and the United States regulate national holidays through legislation.
Non-Recognition of Guru Gobind Singh’s Birth Anniversary as a National Holiday
The organisation also expressed concern that the birth anniversary of Guru Gobind Singh has not received recognition as a public holiday despite his historical significance.
In light of these concerns, the petitioner requested guidelines for declaring public and gazetted holidays across India.
The petition named the Union Government of India and all State Governments as respondents.
Earlier Proceedings
In 2021, the Court issued notice to the respondents on the plea.
Case Details
Case: All India Shiromani Singh Sabha v. Union of India and others
Court: Supreme Court of India
Bench: Justice Vikram Nath and Justice Sandeep Mehta
Date: March 17
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