Explanation:

When the due date of a bill falls on a public holiday, the bill is due on the preceding day instead of the actual public holiday. This is to ensure that individuals have ample time to make the payment and avoid any potential delays or penalties.

Reasoning:

1. Public Holiday Observance: Public holidays are designated days on which most businesses, organizations, and government offices are closed. These holidays are observed to commemorate significant events or traditions. On public holidays, individuals typically have the day off from work or have limited access to certain services.

2. Impact on Bill Payments: When a bill is due on a public holiday, it becomes challenging for individuals to make the payment on time as banks and financial institutions may be closed. Additionally, online payment systems and customer service departments may not be available to address any concerns or issues with the payment.

3. Preceding Day as Due Date: To avoid any inconvenience caused by the closure of banks and limited access to payment systems on public holidays, the due date of the bill is shifted to the preceding day. This allows individuals to make the payment in advance and ensures that it is processed on time.

4. Example: For instance, if a bill is originally due on a public holiday such as Christmas Day (December 25th) and the preceding day is not a public holiday, the due date will be shifted to December 24th. This way, individuals can make the payment on or before December 24th, ensuring that it is processed before the public holiday.

5. Compliance and Avoidance of Penalties: By shifting the due date to the preceding day, individuals are given a fair opportunity to fulfill their payment obligations without incurring any penalties or late fees. It is essential to adhere to the new due date to maintain compliance and avoid any negative consequences.

Therefore, when the due date of a bill falls on a public holiday, the bill's due date is moved to the preceding day to accommodate the closure of banks and limited access to payment systems. This ensures that individuals have sufficient time to make the payment and avoid any potential delays or penalties.