As we wrap up May 2026, it’s essential to highlight the significant legislative developments that have emerged this month. This Legislation Roundup May 2026 covers No AOR Exam This Year, Launch of NIOS Initiative, Committee on Demographic Changes, Insurance Sector Opened to 100% Foreign Investment, Penalty on PAS-3 Filing Error, New Industrial Relations Regime, updates on labour laws, CDSCO prohibiting injectable use of cosmetics and other State updates.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH:
Bar Council of India Bans 9 Law Colleges from Admissions for 2026—27 Session Due to Deficiencies
The Bar Council of India issued a public notice updating the list of Centres of Legal Education which are prohibited from taking admissions in Law Degrees for the Academic Session 2026-27 and subsequent academic sessions until any further notice. This notice concerns the students, parents, universities, State authorities, and public.
KEY STATUTES, BILLS, AND ORDINANCES- MAY 2026:
Cabinet Clears Proposal to Add Four More Supreme Court Judges, Taking Total Strength to 38
On 5 May 2026, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi approved a proposal to enhance the judge strength of the Supreme Court of India, increasing the sanctioned number of judges from 34 to 38, including the Chief Justice of India (CJI).
Four More Judges for the Supreme Court: President’s Ordinance Responds to India’s Mounting Case Backlog
On 16 May 2026, the President promulgated the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Ordinance, 2026 in exercise of her powers under Article 123 of the Constitution of India.
SUPREME COURT:
No AOR Exam This Year: Supreme Court Defers Examination to 2027
On 30 April 2026, the Advocates-on-Record (AOR) Examination Cell of the Supreme Court of India announced that the AOR Examination will not be conducted in 2026. According to the official notice, the competent authority took this decision after reviewing the overall strength of existing Advocates-on-Record. In view of the current adequacy in numbers, the Supreme Court found it appropriate to defer the examination for one year.
Inside the SCBA and BCI Letters on the Andhra Pradesh High Court Incident That Has the Entire Legal Community Talking
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA) has voiced serious concern over a courtroom incident at the Andhra Pradesh High Court. The incident has sparked a nationwide debate within the legal community on judicial temperament, proportionality in the exercise of authority, and balance that governs relations between the Bench and the Bar.
Supreme Court Launches ‘Su–Sahayak’ to Ease Public Access to Court Services
On 11 May 2026, the Supreme Court of India circulated a notification announcing the launch of ‘Su-Sahayak’, an interactive chatbot integrated into its website, to assist visitors in swiftly and conveniently accessing essential e-services, including case status, cause lists, orders, and judgments through prompt based guidance.
SC Strengthens Case Management Through ICMIS Upgrade
On 11 May 2026, the Supreme Court of India issued a circular introducing an important technological upgrade to its Integrated Case Management Information System (ICMIS). This initiative aims to automate the retrieval and entry of case-related information from High Courts and District Courts, thus, reducing manual errors, enhancing administrative efficiency, and strengthening the overall administration of justice.
OTHER IMPORTANT NOTIFICATIONS:
Justice Varma Inquiry Report Submitted to Lok Sabha Speaker; Parliament to Deliberate Next
On 18 May 2026, the Judges Inquiry Committee constituted to investigate allegations against Justice Yashwant Varma formally submitted its report to the Hon’ble Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Mr. Om Birla.
2 Crore Children Between 14 and 18 Are Out of School: Government Launches NIOS Initiative to Bring Them Back
On 16 May 2026, a high-level meeting was convened under the Chairmanship of Sanjay Kumar, Secretary, Department of School Education and Literacy (‘DoSEL’), Ministry of Education, to deliberate upon the issue of out-of-school children, particularly between the age of 14 to 18, and to discuss the implementation strategy for the proposed new National Institute of Open Schooling (‘NIOS’) initiative. The meeting included key officials from the Ministry of Education, NIOS, State Governments, and pilot districts.
Understanding the Revised Salary Structure under India’s Labour Codes
Your salary slip may look noticeably different under India’s new labour laws. The way your pay is divided between basic wages, allowances, and benefits is now governed by a uniform rule that leaves little room for ambiguity. One of the most striking changes is the standardisation of wages, a reform that reshapes how provident fund contributions, gratuity, overtime, and other statutory benefits are calculated.
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS:
Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026: New OCI Registration, Cancellation & Review Provisions Explained
On 30 April 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs notified the Citizenship (Amendment) Rules, 2026 to amend the Citizenship Rules, 2009. The provisions came into effect on 30-4-2026.
Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 Provisions Effective from 15 May 2026
On 30 April 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs appointed the date 15 May 2026 on which various provisions of Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026, come into effect. These provisions mainly enforce the amendments made in several Acts that have been introduced through the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026.
High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes: MHA Notification, Members, Role & Objectives
On 26 May 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs issued a notification constituting a High-Level Committee on Demographic Changes to undertake scientific study of the nature, causes and consequences of such demographic changes occuring across the country and to recommend appropriate policy, administrative and legal measures.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE:
Insurance Sector Opened to 100% Foreign Investment Under FEMA; LIC Retains 20% Cap
On 2 May 2026, the Ministry of Finance notified the Foreign Exchange Management (Non-debt Instruments) (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, liberalising foreign investment rules in the insurance sector. These Rules came into force on 2 May 2026.
Health Security se National Security Cess (Second Amendment) Rules 2026: Key Changes to Fund Utilisation & Allocation
On 20 May 2026, the Ministry of Finance notified the Health Security se National Security Cess (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026 to amend the Health Security se National Security Cess Rules, 2026. The provisions came into force on 20 May 2026.
MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS:
PAS-3 Filing Error Penalty: Rs. 20000 for violation of Companies (Prospectus and Allotment of Securities) Rules, 2014 by ROC Chennai
On 12 May 2026, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs issued an order for adjudication of penalty for repeated default under Section 454 of the Companies Act, 2013 for violation of Rule 12(2) of the Companies (Prospectus and Allotment of Securities) Rules, 2014.
Companies CSR Policy Amendment Rules, 2026: Enabling CSR Funding via Social Stock Exchange
On 27 May 2026, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) notified Companies (Corporate Social Responsibility Policy) Amendment Rules, 2026, aimed at modernizing CSR implementation mechanisms and aligning them with evolving financial instruments and regulatory frameworks.
MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT:
Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2026: How India’s New Industrial Relations Regime Is Changing
On 8 May 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Employment notified the Industrial Relations (Central) Rules, 2026, with the objective of simplifying labour compliance, promoting harmonious employer—employee relations, strengthening trade union democracy, and ensuring faster and more effective dispute resolution through structured institutions and electronic processes. These Rules came into effect on 8 May 2026.
Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Central) Rules, 2026 — Key Highlights & Compliance Guide
On 8 May 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Employment notified the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions (Central) Rules, 2026 to ensure safe, healthy, and fair working conditions for workers across different sectors in India. The provisions came into force on 8 May 2026.
Code on Wages (Central) Rules, 2026: Minimum Wages, VDA Revision, Working Hours, Weekly Rest and Everything Employers Need to Know
On 8 May 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Employment notified the Code on Wages (Central) Rules, 2026 to implement and operationalize the Code on Wages, 2019 by providing a clear, uniform, and practical framework for wage regulation across India. The provisions came into force on 8 May 2026.
India Labour Law Update 2026: 5-Hour Work Limit & Mandatory 30-Minute Break Explained
On 13 May 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Employment issued a notification under Section 25(1)(b) Occupational Safety Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 whereby the Government mandated no continuous work of more than 5 hours without a break. The notification came into force on 14 May 2026.
MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE:
Lakshadweep Fire & Emergency Service Regulation 2026: Key Features, Fire Safety, Tax & Compliance Overview
On 15 May 2026, the Ministry of Law and Justice issued the Lakshadweep Fire and Emergency Service Regulation, 2026 to provide for the maintenance of Fire and Emergency Service and to make more effective provisions for fire prevention and fire safety measures in various categories of buildings and premises in the Union territory of the Lakshadweep.
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & COMMUNICATION:
No More Jumping the Queue: Cinematograph (Certification) Amendment Rules, 2026 Scrap Priority Scheme for Film Certification
On 20 May 2026, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting notified the Cinematograph (Certification) Amendment Rules, 2026 to amend the Cinematograph (Certification) Rules, 2024. The provisions came into force on 22 May 2026.
MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS:
Transparency, Accountability, Athletes First: Key Features of the National Sports Governance (National Sports Board) Rules, 2026
On 22 May 2026, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Board) Rules, 2026 to reform and standardize the functioning of sports bodies in India by creating a transparent, accountable, and athlete—centric governance system. The provisions came into force on 25 May 2026.
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING & WATERWAYS:
National Shipping Board Rules 2026 Notified in Supersession of National Shipping Board Rules, 1960
On 20 May 2026, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways notified the National Shipping Board Rules, 2026 to ensure an effective advisory body that guides the Government of India on shipping-related matters and promotes the development of the maritime sector. The provisions came into force on 20 May 2026.
MINISTRY OF HOUSING & URBAN AFFAIRS:
RERA Amendment vide Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 enforced: Allottee Penalty Revised and Jail Provision Removed
On 7 May 2026, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs appointed the date 7 May 2026 on which the provisions of Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 relating to the Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Act, 2016 comes into force.
MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT:
MGNREGA Repealed, VB—GRAM-G Takes Over: India’s Rural Employment Framework Changes from 1 July 2026
On 11 May 2026, the Ministry of Rural Development formally notified that the Viksit Bharat — Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin): VB—GRAM-G Act, 2025 will be brought into force with effect from 1 July 2026. Concurrently, the Ministry notified the repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA) from the same date, marking a definitive shift in India’s statutory framework governing rural employment.
MINISTRY OF POWER:
Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026: Amendments to Electricity Act, 2003 notified
On 18 May 2026, the Ministry of Power appointed the date 1 June 2026 on which the various amendments made in the Electricity Act, 2003 vide the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 will come into force.
Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026: Amendments to Damodar Valley Corporation Act, 1948 notified
On 18 May 2026, the Ministry of Power appointed the date 1 June 2026 on which the various amendments made in the Damodar Valley Corporation Act, 1948 vide the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 will come into force.
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE & EMPOWERMENT:
Acid Attack Victims Definition Revised: Key Changes Under RPWD Act 2016
On 22 May 2026, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment issued a notification revising the definition of “acid attack victims” covered under the Schedule of the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.
What Has Changed for Transgender Persons in India? The Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act 2026 Explained
On 22 May 2026, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment appointed the date 25 May 2026 on which the provisions of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026 came into force.
BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA:
Former CM, Now Advocate? Inside the BCI Notice Questioning Mamata Banerjee’s Appearance in Advocate Robes in Calcutta HC
On 14 May 2026, the Bar Council of India (BCI) issued a notice to State Bar Council of West Bengal directing it to furnish information regarding enrolment and practice status of Ms. Mamata Banerjee, former Chief Minister of West Bengal.
Can’t Let Public Confidence Erode: Inside the BCI Order Suspending Advocate Samarth Singh Over Dowry Death Allegations
On 22 May 2026, the Bar Council of India issued an Interim Order suspending Advocate Samarth Singh in the matter relating to death of Ms. Twisha Sharma, wife of Advocate Samarth Singh.
UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION:
UGC Initiative for Strengthening Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita and Forensic-Oriented Legal Education
On 12 May 2026, the University Grants Commission (UGC) circulated a notification regarding the implementation of recommendations on the study of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) in law curricula.
INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES CENTRES AUTHORITY:
IFSCA (TechFin and Ancillary Services) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 Explained: Key Amendments, Registration & Compliance in IFSCA India
On 5 May 2026, the International Financial Services Centres Authority issued International Financial Services Centres Authority (TechFin and Ancillary Services) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 to amend the International Financial Services Centres Authority (TechFin and Ancillary Services) Regulations, 2025.
INSOLVENCY & BANKRUPTCY BOARD OF INDIA:
IBBI Amendment Regulations 2026: Key Changes in Governing Board of Insolvency Professional Agency, Nominee Director & Independent Director
On 13 May 2026, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India notified the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Model Bye-Laws and Governing Board of Insolvency Professional Agencies) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 to amend the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Model Bye- Laws and Governing Board of Insolvency Professional Agencies) Regulations, 2016. The provisions came into force on 13 May 2026.
IBBI (Liquidation Process) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2026 — Key Changes in Regulation relating to Valuation Explained
On 19 May 2026, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India notified the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2026 to amend the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Liquidation Process) Regulations, 2016. The provisions came into force on 20 May 2026.
IBBI Pre-Pack Regulations Second Amendment 2026: Key Changes in Valuer Appointment, Fair & Liquidation Value Calculation
On 19 May 2026, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India notified the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Pre-Packaged Insolvency Resolution Process) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026 to amend the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Pre-Packaged Insolvency Resolution Process) Regulations, 2021.
IBBI (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026: Key Changes to Appointment of Professionals
On 19 May 2026, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India notified the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026 to amend the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) Regulations, 2016.
FOOD SAFETY & STANDARDS AUTHORITY OF INDIA:
What Ayush manufacturers need to know about Ashwagandha products: FSSAI issues Advisory
On April 16, 2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) issued an advisory drawing attention to the mandatory use of Ashwagandha (Withania somnifera) roots only in Ayush drugs and related products, following directions issued by the Ministry of Ayush on April 15, 2026.
CONTROLLER GENERAL PATENTS, DESIGNS & TRADEMARKS:
CGPDTM Circular 2026: Promoting EV Adoption & Sustainable Commuting in IP Offices India
On 11 May 2026, the Controller General Patents, Designs and Trademarks issued a circular encouraging shared mobility and adoption of electric vehicles among employees associated with Intellectual Property Offices in line with Prime Minister’s appeal for reduction in fuel consumption.
CENTRAL DRUGS STANDARD CONTROL ORGANISATION:
Cosmetics Are Not Medicines: CDSCO Prohibits Injectable Use
On 18 May 2026, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) issued a public notice reaffirming that cosmetics are for external use only and cannot be injected.
FOREIGN LEGISLATION:
‘Only Yes Means Yes’: Sex Without Consent Must Be Rape Across EU; European Parliament Urges Commission to Legislate
On 28 April 2026, the European Parliament adopted a resolution calling for a common, consent based definition of rape across all Member States. The decision responds to wide disparities in national laws and follows the exclusion of rape definitions from the EU’s 2024 Directive on Combating Violence Against Women. Parliament reaffirmed that rape must be defined by the absence of freely given, informed, and revocable consent, an approach commonly described as ‘only yes means yes.’
STATE LEGISLATION:
Maharashtra Notifies Draft Code on Wages Rules, 2026 for Public Consultation: Key Highlights
On 28 April 2026, the Government of Maharashtra released the Draft Maharashtra Code on Wages Rules, 2026, with the objective of simplifying, standardising, and strengthening wage-related compliance, while improving worker protection and administrative efficiency.
The draft rules have been released for public feedback within 45 days from the date of publication.
Maha Govt Clarifies Registration Overlap Between OSHWC Code and Shops & Establishments Act
On 30 April 2026, the Maharashtra Government issued a clarification regarding the registration of establishments under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (OSHWC Code 2020) and the Maharashtra Shops and Establishments (Regulation of Employment and Conditions of Service) Act, 2017.
Meghalaya’s Largest Communities Finally Heard: Khasi and Garo Declared Official Languages
On 27 April 2026, the Governor of Meghalaya brought into force a landmark linguistic reform with the promulgation of the Meghalaya Official Languages Ordinance, 2026, officially recognising Khasi and Garo as the state’s official languages alongside English. The Ordinance extends to the entire State of Meghalaya and enforcement will be announced later.
Haryana Govt Allows Single Registration of Businesses under Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020
On 4 May 2026, the Haryana Government issued a notification enabling the Governor of Haryana to allow any “Establishment” situated in the State of Haryana to get its business registered only under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020.
Haryana Labour Welfare Fund: Monthly Contribution Cap Raised from January 2026
On 8 May 2026, the Haryana Government issued a notification revising the monthly contribution limit by increasing the maximum employee contribution from ₹34 to ₹35, as part of the existing CPI-linked indexation mechanism, aimed at strengthening the Labour Welfare Fund. The revised provisions will be effective from 1 January 2026.
2 Days Work from Home, 50% Workforce in Office: Delhi’s Advisory to Employers to Cut Fuel Consumption
On 14 May 2026, the Labour Department of NCT of Delhi issued an advisory encouraging employers to implement Work from Home (WFH) policies in response to the need for fuel conservation and environmental protection. The advisory emphasizes reducing daily commuting, which is a major contributor to fuel consumption in urban areas.
Maharashtra Government Formalizes PoSH Inspections to Boost Compliance
On 14 May 2026, the Government of Maharashtra issued circular to establish a formal inspection framework under the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH Act), aimed at ensuring compliance related to sexual harassment prevention and grievance redressal mechanisms across workplaces.
Haryana Labour Dept Heatwave Advisory 2026: Employer Guidelines & Worker Safety Measures
On 20 May 2026, the Labour Department of Haryana issued an advisory on Heatwave and Preparatory action for Heat-Wave season 2026. It has been directed to conduct awareness campaigns, display posters, and banners to educate workers about the heat wave and prevention measures and provide emergency contact numbers.
Kerala Cabinet Portfolio Allocation 2026: Ministers, Departments & First AI Portfolio in India
On 20 May 2026, the General Administration (Protocol) Department of Kerala issued a notification vide which the Government of Kerala has allotted the Business of the Government among the ministers under Rule 5 of the Rules of Business of the Government of Kerala.
What Traffic Offence Will Cost You How Much in Madhya Pradesh — The Complete Compound Offences List Under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
On 6 March 2023, the Government of Madhya Pradesh issued a notification specifying compound offences under the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988. This notification suppresses all other notifications in this regard.
