Gujarat Assembly Clears 24×7 Shops, New Rent Rules

GANDHINAGAR :  Gujarat is set to become a round-the-clock marketplace after the state Assembly on Friday passed the Gujarat Ease of Doing Business Reform Bill, clearing the way for malls, hotels, restaurants, cafes and shops to operate 24×7 without being forced to shut by police or local authorities.

The move came on the final day of the Assembly’s monsoon session and marks a major relaxation of the state’s existing restrictions on business operating hours.

Under the new provisions, establishments operating round the clock will, however, have to ensure cleanliness, traffic management and safety in and around their premises. Labour-related safeguards, including workers’ leave and safety provisions, will continue to apply.

Earlier, 24-hour operations were largely permitted only for establishments such as hospitals, municipal corporation areas, national highways, railway stations, petrol pumps and bus stations. Shops in municipal borough areas and along state highways were required to close between 2 am and 6 am, while businesses elsewhere faced an 11 pm to 6 am closure window.

The Bill also simplifies registration under the Shops and Establishments Act, popularly known as Gumasta Dhara. Businesses will now be able to apply for registration through self-declaration and self-certified documents, removing the inspector’s role from the registration process.

Opposition Raises Drought Concerns

The final day also saw a heated exchange over inadequate rainfall and crop losses. Congress MLA Gopal Italia cited an earlier circular issued during Vijay Rupani’s tenure, under which four consecutive weeks without rainfall could trigger consideration of drought conditions.

With some talukas reportedly going without rain for four weeks, Italia questioned whether the government would declare them drought-hit.

Minister Rushikesh Patel said the government follows the Government of India’s Drought Management Manual and any decision would be taken according to the prescribed guidelines.

MLA Vimal Chudasama sought a loan waiver for farmers facing crop failure. Patel acknowledged the concern and said the government would take an appropriate decision on crop failure.

Rent Bill Caps Security Deposit

The government also moved the Gujarat Rent Bill, 2026, proposing to replace the 1947 rent control law with an agreement-based system.

Urban Development Minister Kanu Desai said written rent agreements would become mandatory and their details would have to be submitted to the Rent Authority.

A key provision caps a landlord’s security deposit at three months’ rent. The deposit must be returned within one month after the tenant vacates the property, after permissible deductions.

The proposed legislation seeks to overhaul Gujarat’s decades-old rental framework while providing clearer rules for landlords and tenants.