Karnataka Act 38 of 2026

What it says

Karnataka Act 38 of 2026, published 4 September 2026 and in force at once: electronic registration issued within seven days and valid until closure; establishments with ten or more workers already registered under the OSH Code exempted; service certificate within seven days; employers barred from retaining original documents; fines raised and compounding introduced.

What was taken from it

The figures and statements this desk reads off this document, as extracted. Each one is shown on the topic page it belongs to: Appointment letter · Karnataka, Shops and Establishment Act · Karnataka.

Documents.No Retention

Employer may not retain an employee's original educational, experience or other original documents

Service Certificate.Days

Employer must issue a service certificate within 7 days of the employee's application

Penalty.Compounding

Compoundable by the Labour Officer at 50% of the fine (first offence) or 75% (subsequent); not more than twice in a year

Penalty.General

s.30(1) fines raised to Rs 3,000 and Rs 5,000; s.30(2) to Rs 2,000; ss.24-25 contraventions at least Rs 10,000; s.33 to Rs 10,000

Penalty.Unregistered

Fine up to Rs 50,000 (imprisonment removed)

Registration.Issue Days

Registration certificate issued within 7 days (previously 30), applied for and issued electronically

Registration.Osh Exemption

Establishments with 10 or more workers already registered under the OSH Code, 2020 are exempted; no separate registration for godowns or storage within 100 metres of the principal establishment

Registration.Validity

Registration valid until closure or cessation of business — no periodic renewal

Where this is cited

• Appointment letter · Karnataka
• Shops and Establishment Act · Karnataka