December 2025 witnessed a significant wave of legislative activity across India, with states and union territories introducing key laws, amendments, and policies impacting governance, business, and social welfare. From Madhya Pradesh modernizing Shops & Establishments compliance to Rajasthan rationalizing minor offences, and Karnataka strengthening medical and police regulations, this roundup captures all the crucial updates. Whether you’re a legal professional, policymaker, or citizen tracking state reforms, our roundup on December 2025 State Legislation Updates provide a concise yet comprehensive overview of the latest developments shaping the legal landscape across India.
Top Story:
Madhya Pradesh Shops & Establishments Act Amended: Central Inspection System and Digital Registration Introduced Under 2025 Second Amendment
On 15-12-2025, the Government of Madhya Pradesh notified the Madhya Pradesh Shops and Establishments (Second Amendment) Act, 2025, aimed at modernizing compliance processes and enhancing transparency in labour administration. Read More
Bills/Ordinances:
Gujarat Shops and Establishments Amendment Ordinance 2025: Key Changes in Employment Regulations and Service Conditions
On 16-12-2025, the Gujarat Government notified the Gujarat Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, which raises the applicability threshold, permits women to work at night with safety safeguards, and increases the permissible overtime limit per quarter. Read More
Karnataka Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2025
On 17-12-2025, the Karnataka Government introduced the Private Medical Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in Karnataka’s Legislative Assembly. The amendment expands coverage to include mental health establishments under the regulatory framework. It introduces provisional registration valid for six months, renewable with stricter timelines and standards. Permanent registration requires hygienic premises, qualified staff, adequate infrastructure, compliance with standards, and eDAR portal registration. Section 7 ensures applications are disposed of within 90 days, with fasttrack approval in 10 days if accredited by QCI, NABH, NQAS, or QAI. Section 19 adds penalties of up to three years’ imprisonment and ₹1 lakh fine for employing unqualified medical staff.
Rajasthan Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Ordinance, 2025
On 11-12-2025, the Government of Rajasthan issued Rajasthan Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Ordinance, 2025 to decriminalise and rationalise minor offences, replacing imprisonment with monetary penalties to promote ease of living and doing business. Acts amended include:
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Rajasthan Tenancy Act, 1955
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Rajasthan Regulation of Boating Act, 1956
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Rajasthan Warehouses Act, 1958
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Rajasthan State Aid to Industries Act, 1961
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Rajasthan Money Lenders Act, 1963
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Jaipur Water Supply and Sewerage Board Act, 2018
State Amendments:
Punjab Minor Mineral (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2025
On 1-12-2025, the Punjab Government notified the Punjab Minor Mineral (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2025. introduced Crusher Mining Sites (CRMS) and Landowner Mining Sites (LMS) with defined eligibility and obligations. Leases for Category3 and 4 are capped at five years or Environmental Clearance validity, whichever is shorter. Crusher owners will have to include all land within 1 km radius of their unit, pay landowner compensation, and sell excess material in the open market. Landowners or authorized persons hold joint liability for LMS operations, with extraction strictly limited to EC approved quantities. Revised fee schedules, consent rules, and special permits for construction/industrial excavation modernize regulation and strengthen compliance.
Haryana Civil Service (Executive Branch) Amendment Rules, 2025
On 29-12-2025, the Haryana Government notified the Haryana Civil Service (Executive Branch) Amendment Rules, 2025, revising the Rule 11 of Haryana Civil Service (Executive Branch) Rules, 2008. Under Item II– the Main Written Examination will now comprise six papers (English, Hindi, and four General Studies papers), each of 100 marks, totalling 600 marks. Under Item III– Personality Test of 75 marks follows, with candidates admitted at twelve times the vacancies for mains and three times for the interview. Eligibility for the viva requires 45% aggregate marks and at least 33% in English and Hindi, with relaxations to 35% for benchmark disability candidates. Final selection will be based on performance out of 675 marks, considering service preferences. Exams will be essay-type, three hours each, bilingual in Hindi and English, with syllabi decided by the Government as needed.
Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (Distribution Performance Standards) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2025
On 1-12-2025, the Government of Himachal notified the Himachal Pradesh Electricity Regulatory Commission (Distribution Performance Standards) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2025. This amendment revises the Distribution Performance Standards Regulations, 2010, defines hilly areas as regions located above 1,000 meters altitude, and mandates strict adherence to updated reliability indices. It modifies the timelines for compliance reporting, omits outdated provisions, and substitutes new guaranteed standards of performance in the Schedule. Consumers are assured clearer service timelines and compensation norms, strengthening accountability of electricity distribution in the state.
Karnataka State Reserve Police (Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2025
On 26-12-2025, the Karnataka Government notified the Karnataka State Reserve Police (Recruitment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2025, introducing a comprehensive framework for recruitment and service regulation. The rules define eligibility criteria, selection methods, and reservation norms to ensure fairness and transparency. They lay down standards for training, discipline, promotions, transfers, and retirement benefits of Reserve Police personnel. Special emphasis is placed on physical fitness, professional conduct, and adherence to duty protocols. The framework also streamlines administrative processes, aligning service conditions with modern policing requirements. Overall, the notification strengthens the efficiency, accountability, and preparedness of the Karnataka State Reserve Police.
e-True Copy Rules of the Rajasthan High Court, 2025
On 10-12-2025, the Rajasthan Government announced that e-True Copy Rules of the Rajasthan High Court, 2025, for providing authenticated electronic copies of court records.
These rules apply to the High Court and District Courts, enabling parties or advocates to obtain digitized records via the Digitized Record Management System (‘DRMS’). Each e-True Copy is issued with an Authentication Certificate, UDRN, QR code, and seal, ensuring legal validity equivalent to certified copies. Applications are processed electronically, delivered immediately after fee payment, and stored for retrieval as per High Court directions, strengthening transparency and efficiency in record access.
Maharashtra Special Public Security Act, 2024
On 15-12-2025, the Maharashtra Government notified Maharashtra Special Public Security Act, 2024 to curb unlawful activities by Left Wing Extremist and similar organizations. It empowers the State to declare any organization as unlawful and restrict its operations. An Advisory Board reviews such declarations and ensures due process.
Offences under the Act are cognizable, non-bailable, and punishable with imprisonment up to seven years and heavy fines. The Act also provides for seizure of property, forfeiture of funds, and protection for actions taken in good faith.
State Amendments to Central Statutes:
Social Security (Bihar) Rules, 2025
On 9-12-2025, the Bihar Government notified the Social Security (Bihar) Rules, 2025, introducing a comprehensive framework for implementing the Code on Social Security, 2020, replacing old rules and establishing new boards and procedures. The Rules define key terms like agency, appeal, benefit period, contribution period, etc., and establish the Bihar Unorganized Workers Social Security Board and the Construction Workers Welfare Board with structure, tenure, and functions. They prescribe procedures for registration, nomination, gratuity, maternity benefits, accident compensation, and appeals, include detailed forms for claims, modifications, annual returns, and dispute resolution, and provide mechanisms for penalties, compounding of offences, and fund management for social security schemes. Sections 154 and 156 of the Code these Rules repeal the following:
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Bihar Maternity Benefit Rules, 1964
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Bihar Payment of Gratuity Rules, 1972
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Bihar Building and Other Construction Workers (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Rules, 2005
State Notifications/Policies/Schemes:
Transit Oriented Development Policy Rajasthan-2025
On 10-12-2025, the Rajasthan Government announced the Transit Oriented Development Policy Rajasthan 20251. The policy focuses on compact, high-density, and mixed-use development around metro, rail, and rapid transit stations. TOD zones are defined within an 800-metre radius of transit hubs with high passenger traffic. It provides higher Floor Area Ratios (FAR), flexible land-use permissions, and incentives for sustainable urban growth. Authorities will integrate TOD nodes into master plans to ensure walkable, transit-led urban development. Key priorities include affordable housing, commercial hubs, social infrastructure, and pedestrian-friendly environments. The five-year policy, overseen by the Urban Development & Housing Department, aims to reduce congestion and enhance liveability.
Delhi on Dust Pollution
On 9-12-2025, the Delhi Pollution Control Committee issued strict directions to curb dust pollution. Unauthorized roadside vendors storing or selling sand, bricks, cement, and tiles must be removed immediately. Open or uncovered storage and transport of construction materials is banned to reduce PM10 and PM2.5 emissions. Confiscation of uncovered materials and fines under municipal laws will be enforced by MCD authorities. The order was issued under Section 31(A) of the Air Act, 1981, with Delhi designated as an Air Pollution Control area. These measures aim to improve air quality and align with the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP).2
Tamil Nadu Toy Manufacturing Policy 2025
Tamil Nadu’s Toy Manufacturing Policy 2025 envisions the state as a global toy hub. It promotes modern toys like STEM, educational, and electronic, alongside traditional crafts. Large manufacturers get capital subsidies, land cost support, and tax exemptions. MSMEs benefit from payroll subsidies, quality certification reimbursements, and marketing aid. Artisans receive loans, subsidies, and GI support to preserve heritage toys. The policy emphasizes eco-friendly, inclusive designs and runs for five years under SIPCOT. 3
Odisha Pharmaceutical and Medical Devices Policy, 2025
Odisha’s Pharma & Medical Devices Policy 2025 aims to make the state a hub for pharma, biotech, and medical devices. It leverages strategic infrastructure with clusters near Paradip Port and Kalinganagar, backed by highways, rail, and pipelines. Large investors benefit from SGST reimbursement, capital subsidies, and land cost support to attract global players. MSMEs receive payroll subsidies, certification reimbursements, and marketing aid to strengthen competitiveness. Key focus areas include bulk drugs, formulations, biotechnology, R&D, and advanced medical devices. The five-year policy, overseen by IPICOL, emphasizes sustainability, innovation, and inclusive industrial growth. 4
1. https://lsg.urban.rajasthan.gov.in/content/dam/raj/udh/udh%20department/pdf/Notifications/tod%20police_merged_removed.pdf
2. https://www.dpcc.delhigovt.nic.in/uploads/news/3c6001352012685962bb8719ac7c0f5c.pdf
3. https://investingintamilnadu.com/DIGIGOV/StaticAttachment?AttachmentFileName=/pdf/poli_noti/toy-policy.pdf