BARAMULLA, SEPTEMBER,05 :
Adv Neelofar Masood President. Women’s Wing JKNC District Baramulla in a press release send to SNS Kashmir , said that
Section 25, of Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881 defines “public holiday” to include any day declared by notification of the Central Government or a State Government.However
Under Section 3(60), General Clauses Act, 1897, in relation to a Union territory the expression “State Government” means the Central Government (and, in practice, acts through the Administrator /Lieutenant-Governor to whom business is allocated). So, for UTs like Jammu & Kashmir, the competent authority (LG/Administration via GAD) may issue/alter holiday notifications And unfortunately Eid Milad-un- Nabi (SWT), Holiday has not been rescheduled despite request made by the Elected Govt.
The decision of the Administration not to reschedule the holiday of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW), despite the fact that this sacred day is universally accepted as subject to the sighting of the moon, has left the Muslim community of Jammu & Kashmir deeply pained and disappointed.
For centuries, Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) has been observed with immense love, reverence, and spiritual devotion. It is not simply a date on the calendar — it is an expression of faith, an occasion of unity, and a celebration of the life and teachings of the Holy Prophet (SAW). To deny rescheduling, even when moon sighting has clearly shifted the occasion, amounts to overlooking the sanctity of tradition and the sentiments of millions.
What makes this disregard more troubling is that even the Government’s own holiday notifications categorically state that Muslim festivals are to be observed “subject to appearance of the moon.” Ignoring this explicit condition not only causes confusion but also reflects a lack of sensitivity and foresight on the part of those entrusted with governance.
The people rightfully expect that their faith and traditions will be respected by those in power. A refusal to adjust the holiday in line with moon sighting conveys the impression of rigidity and disconnect from the ground realities of the society .
We, therefore, urge the Central Govt. /Resp LG to correct this oversight and reschedule the holiday in accordance with moon sighting. Such a step would not only uphold the letter of the law but also demonstrate that they are attuned to the religious, emotional, and cultural fabric of the people they serve.
Respecting the sanctity of Eid Milad-un-Nabi (SAW) is not a matter of concession; it is a matter of duty, sensitivity, and justice.(SNS)