India, Oct. 2 -- In a significant move, the Maharashtra government has allowed shops and establishments to remain open for 24 hours across the state. A circular to this effect was issued by the state labour department on Wednesday. The order will be applicable to all shops, restaurants, malls, theatres, places of amusement or entertainment, except those involved in selling liquor, such as liquor shops, bars and hookah parlours.

Officials from the labour department said the move comes on the back of complaints from various shops and establishments that were not being allowed to operate for long hours by police and local authorities, despite an established mandate in the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Co...