Customs officials' Eid leave cancellation revoked

The initial order, issued on March 28, had mandated that supervisory officers refrain from approving leave requests for the specified period. This directive applied uniformly to all personnel, including Muslim employees, effectively barring them from taking time off during the Eid festivities. The decision was unique to Kerala, as no similar orders were reported in other regions.
The Chief Commissioner, S.K. Rahman, issued the initial directive following a circular from the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs. The CBIC's circular had designated March 29, 30, and 31 as working days but did not explicitly instruct the denial of leave. This led to the Kerala office's stringent interpretation, which was later overturned.
The withdrawal of the leave cancellation order has been met with relief among the staff, particularly those observing Eid-ul-Fitr. The initial directive had raised concerns about the ability of Muslim employees to participate in the religious and cultural practices associated with the festival.
The development in Kerala contrasts with actions in other states. For instance, the Haryana government recently reclassified Eid-ul-Fitr from a gazetted holiday to a restricted holiday, citing the financial year-end closure on March 31. The adjustment means government offices in Haryana will remain open on Eid, though Muslim employees can avail themselves of personal leave to observe the festival.
Eid-ul-Fitr, marking the end of Ramadan, is a significant festival for Muslims worldwide. In Kerala, the state government had declared March 31 as a public holiday in observance of Eid, aligning with the cultural and religious significance of the day. Open URL