September 2026 witnessed significant legislative, regulatory and policy developments across labour and employment, financial regulation, consumer protection, healthcare, legal practice, education and digital commerce. Key highlights included the enhancement of the EPFO wage ceiling to ₹25,000, expansion of coverage under the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 2026, new compliance requirements for e-commerce platforms, revised passport norms for children, and RBI reforms relating to export proceeds and trade transactions.
Other notable developments included the new framework for designation of Senior Advocates, the AOR Examination update, FSSAI’s proposal to restrict the use of the term “paneer” for non-milk analogue products, CDSCO’s advisory on NSAIDs and antibiotics, and PNGRB’s introduction of a comprehensive data-governance framework for the petroleum and natural gas sector.
From social security and taxation to financial regulation, consumer rights and state-level reforms, here is a roundup of the key legal and policy developments:
TOP STORIES
EPFO wage ceiling raised to ₹25,000; more employees to get PF, pension benefits
On 17 September 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Employment notified ₹25,000 per month as the wage ceiling under the Code on Social Security, 2020. The revised wage ceiling came into force on 17 September 2026.
What changes under Delhi High Court’s 2026 senior advocate designation rules?
On 3 September 2026, the Delhi High Court notified the High Court of Delhi Designation of Senior Advocate Rules, 2026, replacing the framework notified in 2024 for designation of advocates as Senior Advocates.
The new framework lays down the eligibility criteria, application process and decision-making procedure for designation of advocates as Senior Advocates and came into effect on 3 September 2026.
CABINET DECISIONS
Cabinet approves EPFO wage ceiling hike from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000
On 16 September 2026, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the Ministry of Labour and Employment’s proposal to increase the wage ceiling for mandatory coverage under the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) from ₹15,000 to ₹25,000 per month.
The proposal was recommended by the Expenditure Finance Committee during its meeting held on 16 June 2026 following inter-ministerial consultations. The decision is expected to bring more than 51 lakh additional employees within the ambit of mandatory EPFO coverage, expanding access to provident fund savings, pension benefits and insurance protection under India’s statutory social security framework.
IMPORTANT NOTIFICATIONS
Supreme Court schedules December 2026 AOR examination for re-appearing candidates; Apply by 15 October
On 25 September 2026, the Supreme Court of India announced the schedule for the Advocates-on-Record Examination — December 2026, to be conducted exclusively for candidates eligible to re-appear under Regulation 11(i) or 11(ii) of the Regulations regarding Advocates-on-Record Examination.
Applications may be submitted from 1 October 2026 to 15 October 2026.
No Endless Refiling: NCLT Streamlines Scrutiny, Registration and First Listing
On 12 August 2026, the NCLT issued the Circular prescribing detailed procedures for scrutiny of filings, registration and marking of matters, first listing, preparation of Cause Lists, and use of standard procedural slips. The instructions are to be read with the Companies Act, 2013, Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 and NCLT Rules, 2016.
Supreme Court reconstitutes Gender Sensitization and Internal Complaints Committee
On 10 September 2026, the Chief Justice of India issued an office order reconstituting the Supreme Court Gender Sensitization and Internal Complaints Committee (GSICC) with effect from 13 September 2026.
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Employees’ Pension Scheme 2026 amended to expand coverage for more EPF members
On 25 September 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Employment notified an amendment to the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 2026, introducing a new category of employees eligible for membership.
The amendment is deemed to have come into force on 17 September 2026.
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
BIS revises hallmarking fees for gold and silver articles
On 14 September 2026, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution notified the Bureau of Indian Standards (Hallmarking) Amendment Regulations, 2026, revising hallmarking fees for gold and silver articles.
Centre Notifies E-Commerce Rule Changes; Mandates Dark Pattern Audits, Price Transparency and Stronger Consumer Safeguards
On 9 September 2026, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution notified the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) (Amendment) Rules, 2026, introducing new transparency, disclosure and consumer-protection obligations for e-commerce entities and marketplace platforms.
The Rules will come into force on 1 January 2027, giving e-commerce entities and marketplace platforms time to align their systems and practices with the new compliance requirements.
Relief for households as crude edible oil import duties are reduced
On 24 September 2026, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food & Public Distribution, announced a reduction in the Basic Customs Duty (BCD) on major imported crude edible oils in view of the sharp increase in international edible oil prices and the resulting rise in domestic retail prices.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Pharmacies may be required to retain CCTV footage for 3 months under Draft Drug Rules
On 8 September 2026, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare published draft rules proposing an amendment to the Drugs Rules, 1945.
The draft amendment seeks to introduce mandatory CCTV surveillance at licensed premises supplying drugs on the prescription of a Registered Medical Practitioner. The proposal has been published for public comments and objections for a period of 30 days.
CDSCO warns against indiscriminate use of NSAIDs and antibiotics; issues stakeholder-specific guidance
On 21 September 2026, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organization (CDSCO) issued a circular highlighting the risks associated with the indiscriminate use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), commonly known as painkillers, and antibiotics.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
Centre ensures charge-free Digital Payments: No fees on RuPay and UPI transactions up to ₹2,000
On 14 September 2026, the Ministry of Finance issued a notification specifying RuPay debit card transactions and UPI transactions up to ₹2,000 as electronic modes of payment and prohibiting banks and system providers from levying charges on such transactions.
UPI MDR explained: No charges for consumers, 0.4% fee on select merchant transactions above ₹2,000
On 15 September 2026, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) released a detailed FAQ document explaining the proposed framework for Merchant Discount Rate (MDR) on select UPI Person-to-Merchant (P2M) transactions.
The document clarifies that ordinary consumers will continue to use UPI free of charge, while a nominal MDR will apply only to specified merchant transactions above ₹2,000.
The MDR framework will take effect from 15 October 2026, allowing banks, payment aggregators, fintech platforms, and other ecosystem participants adequate time to implement the required operational changes.
MINISTRY OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS
Passport rules for children below 15 years just changed: Here’s what you need to know
On 15 September 2026, the Ministry of External Affairs notified the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, revising provisions relating to passport fees and the validity of passports issued to children below 15 years of age. These Rules came into effect on 17 September 2026.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Centre expands ‘Not for Children Below 4’ warning to all Chlorpheniramine Maleate-Phenylephrine drug combinations
On 18 August 2026, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified expanded warning-label requirements for all fixed-dose combinations (FDCs) containing Chlorpheniramine Maleate and Phenylephrine Hydrochloride.
The notification became operational on 19 August 2026, requiring compliance with the newly expanded warning-label requirements.
CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECT TAXES (CBDT)
Income-tax rules amended; tax recovery arrest provisions dropped, registration deadlines extended to March 2027
On 17 September 2026, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) notified the Income-tax (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2026, introducing procedural amendments, extending registration deadlines for valuers and authorised income-tax practitioners, and revising prescribed application forms under the Income-tax Act, 2025.
BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA (BCI)
AIBE XXI COP Update: First batch dispatched to State Bar Councils; second phase processing for pending candidates announced
The Bar Council of India (BCI) has announced an update regarding the Certificates of Practice (COPs) of AIBE XXI-qualified candidates. The COPs of candidates who enrolled with their respective State Bar Councils and uploaded their Enrolment Certificates on or before 30 July 2026 have been processed, printed and dispatched to their respective State Bar Councils.
FOOD SAFETY AND STANDARD AUTHORITY OF INDIA (FSSAI)
FSSAI proposes restrictions on analogue dairy products; non-milk products may no longer be sold as ‘paneer’
On 22 September 2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) published the draft Food Safety and Standards (Prohibition and Restrictions on Sales) Amendment Regulations, 2026, proposing restrictions on the use of the term “paneer” for non-milk analogue products.
FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions from stakeholders within 60 days of 23 September 2026.
PNGRB notifies Databank and Information System Regulations, 2026
On 2 September 2026, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (PNGRB) notified the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Databank and Information System) Regulations, 2026, creating a comprehensive framework for collection, submission, verification and publication of data across the petroleum and natural gas sector. The regulations prescribe reporting obligations, timelines, confidentiality safeguards and consequences for non-compliance.
RESERVE BANK OF INDIA (RBI)
RBI amends FEMA Regulations on export proceeds and trade transactions
On 22 September 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) notified the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Goods and Services) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, reducing export proceeds realisation timelines and empowering Authorised Dealers to handle specified legacy export-import and merchanting trade transactions without requiring RBI approval. The amendment will come into force from 1 October 2026.
STATE LEGISLATION
Maharashtra revises Registration Fees for Searches, Copies and Home Registration Visits
On 11 August 2026, the Maharashtra Government notified amendments to the Table of Fees under the Registration Act, 1908. The notification substitutes Articles X, XIV and XXII of the existing Table of Fees.
Maharashtra appoints DCPs as Competent Authorities under Rent Control Act in Mumbai
On 31 July 2026, the Maharashtra Government issued a notification appointing Deputy Commissioners of Police (DCPs) as Competent Authorities for specified areas within Mumbai.
Tamil Nadu Assembly passes Resolution for Tamil as principal language of Madras High Court
On 3 September 2026, the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly adopted a Government Resolution seeking the use of Tamil as the principal language of the High Court of Madras.
The resolution cites constitutional and statutory provisions supporting the use of Tamil in judicial proceedings and highlights Tamil’s status as both an official and Classical Language, alongside advances in translation and AI technologies.
Karnataka Eases Compliance for Shops and Establishments; Bars Employers from Retaining Employees’ Original Documents
On 4 September 2026, the Karnataka Government notified the Karnataka Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Act, 2026.
The Amendment Act received Governor’s assent on 3 September 2026 and came into force with immediate effect. The Act exempts certain establishments from duplicate registration, mandates the issuance of service certificates to employees, prohibits employers from retaining original documents, and substantially revises compounding and penalty provisions.
FOREIGN LEGISLATION
Malaysia adopts new Cross-Border Insolvency Framework
On 18 August 2026, the Prime Minister’s Department (Law and Institutional Reforms) issued a notification appointing 28 August 2026 as the date on which the Cross-Border Insolvency Act, 2026 came into operation.
‘My Feed, My Way’: Australia Moves to Give Users Control Over Social Media Algorithms
On 8 September 2026, the Albanese Government released a draft legislation for a new Digital Duty of Care regime for targeted consultation.
A key feature of the proposal is “My Feed, My Way.” The draft laws would also enhance safeguards for children and expand the powers of the eSafety Commissioner to combat harmful online content.
Weekly Legal Developments for the Month of September
