As we wrap up July 2025, it’s essential to highlight the significant legislative developments that have emerged this month. This Legislation Roundup for July 2025 covers crucial updates, including resignation of Vice-President, clarification on no water tax on farmers under M-CADWM, verification operation to curb fraudulent ITR filing, Companies to report data on sexual harassment complaints, unveiling of RailOne App, Motor Vehicle Aggregators Guidelines 2025, Unified Pension Scheme, Regulations Empowering TechFin and Ancillary Service Providers.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH
Vice President Jagdeep Dhankhar resigns from his office
On 21-7-2025, the Vice- President of India, Jagdeep Dhankhar, resigned from his office to prioritize health care and abide by medical advice, effective immediately.
He extended his gratitude to the President of India, Prime Minister of India and to the Council of Ministers for their cooperation and support.
STATUTES/ BILLS/ ORDINANCES
President passes Bills of Lading Act, 2025 replacing colonial-era Bills of Lading Act, 1856
On 24-7-2025, the President gave assent to the Bills of Lading Act, 2025 which was issued by the Ministry of Law and Justice. This Act repeals the Bills of Lading Act, 1856.
Key Features of newly introduced National Sports Governance Bill, 2025
On 23-7-2025, the Indian Government introduced the ‘National Sports Governance Bill’ in the Lok Sabha. After President’s assent the Bill will be called ‘National Sports Governance Act, 2025’. Recognising the importance for a structured regulatory framework that is designed to infuse transparency, discipline, and international alignment into India’s athletic ecosystem.
I&B Ministry proposes amendments to Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies; Seeks Public feedback
On 2-7-2025, the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting issued draft amendments to amend the ‘Policy Guidelines for Television Rating Agencies in India’ which were notified in the year 2014.
Cabinet approves National Sports Policy 2025 to reshape country’s sporting landscape
On 1-7-2025, the Union Cabinet approved the National Sports Policy 2025 (‘Policy’) which will supersede the existing National Sports Policy 2001. This Policy, that has been formulated after extensive consultations involving Central Ministries, NITI Aayog, State Governments, National Sports Federations (‘NSFs’), athletes, domain experts, and public stakeholders, is aimed at reshaping the country’s sporting landscape and empowering citizens through sports.
Lok Sabha passes Repealing and Amending Bill 2022 to repeal 76 obsolete laws
The Repealing and Amending Bill, 2022 was introduced in the Lok Sabha by the then Union Law Minister, Kiren Rijiju on 19-12-2022 with a view to repealing 65 obsolete Laws. Now, the present Law Minister, Arjun Ram Meghwal, proposed to repeal 76 obsolete Laws and amend a minor drafting error in Factoring Regulation Act, 2011.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
A push towards Green Investments: IREDA bonds granted Section 54EC tax benefit status
On 10-7-2025, the Ministry of Finance officially granted Section 54EC tax benefit status to Indian Renewable Energy Development Agency Ltd. (‘IREDA’) bonds. In a major boost to India’s renewable energy financing ecosystem, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (‘CBDT’) classified these instruments as ‘long-term specified assets’ under Section 54EC.
Income Tax Department: Verification operation to curb fraudulent ITR filing
On 14-7-2025, the Income Tax Department initiated a verification operation across multiple locations in the country, targeting individuals and entities facilitating fraudulent claims of deductions and exemptions in Income Tax Returns (‘ITR’) to curb misuse of tax benefits under Income-tax Act, 1961.
Provisions of Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 notified
On 29-7-2025, the Ministry of Finance appointed 1-8-2025 as the date on which certain provisions of the Banking Laws (Amendment) Act, 2025 will come into force.
MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS
MCA mandates all Companies to report data on sexual harassment complaints
On 30-5-2025, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs notified the Companies (Accounts) Second Amendment Rules, 2025 to amend the Companies (Accounts) Rules, 2014 aiming to enhance corporate transparency and digital compliance.
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Digital portal to drive Extended Producer Responsibility in Hazardous Waste Rules 2025
On 1-7-2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules, 2025 to ensure safe handling, generation, processing, treatment, package, storage, transportation, use reprocessing, collection, conversion, and offering for sale, destruction and disposal of Hazardous Waste.
MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS
Waqf property management via Centralised Digital Portal: A look at the Unified Waqf Rules 2025
On 3-7-2025, the Ministry of Minority Affairs notified the Unified Waqf Management, Empowerment, Efficiency and Development Rules, 2025 establishing a digital framework for the administration of Waqf properties across India. These Rules streamline governance, ensure transparency, and enable financial and legal accountability through a centralized portal and database.
MINISTRY OF JAL SHAKTI
No water tax on farmers under M-CADWM: Centre rebuts false media claims
On 27-6-2025, the Ministry of Jal Shakti issued a clarification regarding the objectives of ‘Modernization of Command Area Development and Water Management (‘M-CADWM’) Scheme’. The scheme is designed to enhance irrigation efficiency, promote equitable water distribution, and encourage the integration of modern technologies such as pressurized pipeline networks, Internet of Things devices, and Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition systems for smarter, more transparent water management.
MINSTRY OF RAILWAYS
Ticket Price Update: New fare structure for passenger trains effective July 1, 2025
On 30-6-2025, the Ministry of Railways revised the basic fare of Passenger train services based on updated Passenger Fare Table issued by the Indian Railway Conference Association (‘IRCA’). The rise in fares has come into effect from 1-7-2025.
Railways unveil RailOne App: Revolutionizing passenger experience with seamless connectivity
On 1-7-2025, the Union Railway Minister, Ashwini Vaishnaw, launched a comprehensive and all-in-one RailOne app to improve passenger interface with railways. The launch reaffirms Bhartiya Rail’s commitment to democratizing technology and delivering world-class mobility to every passenger.
Indian Railways to soon install CCTV cameras in Passenger Trains and locomotives
On 12-7-2025, after a meeting between Ashwini Vaishnaw, the Union Minister for Railways and Ravneet Singh Bittu, the Union Minister of State for Railways wherein they reviewed the progress of experimental installation of CCTV Cameras in locomotives and passenger coaches, the Ministry of Railways decided to install CCTV cameras in all coaches to enhance passenger safety.
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
Govt formulates clear rules for operation of radio-telephone apparatus
On 25-6-2025, the Ministry of Civil Aviation notified the Radio Telephone Operator (Restricted) Certificate and License Rules, 2025 to regulate the certification and licensing of individuals operating radio- telephone apparatus in aviation related services. The provisions came into force on 25-6-2025.
MINISTRY OF LAOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
New Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme expands insurance coverage for EPF members
On 18-7-2025, the Ministry of Labour and Employment notified the Employees’ Deposit-Linked Insurance (Amendment) Scheme, 2025 (EDLI Scheme) to mark a significant step towards enhancement to the social security benefits available to members of the Employees’ Provident Fund.
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
Motor Vehicle Aggregators Guidelines 2025: Discover what’s noteworthy!
On 1-7-2025, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways announced the ‘Motor Vehicle Aggregator Guidelines, 2025’ to regulate the provisions regarding the digital aggregators revising the farmwork for licensing, vehicle and driver compliance, and promote electric mobility and inclusive transport. These guidelines ensure passenger, driver safety, fare transparency, and sustainability. All State Governments are advised to adopt these revised guidelines before 01-10-25.
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Mandatory e-KYC for Ration cards every 5 Years; Unused Cards to be disabled: Inside TPDS Amendment Order 2025
On 22-7-2025, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution notified the Targeted Public Distribution System (‘TPDS’) (Control) Amendment Order, 2025 introducing digital verification reform aimed at enhancing transparency, minimizing misuse, and ensuring that food subsidies are delivered exclusively to genuinely eligible households.
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AD CLIMATE CHANGE
Environment Protection| Govt notifies Rules for Remediation of Contaminated Sites
On 24-7-2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the Environment Protection (Management of Contaminated Sites) Rules, 2025 to address the growing concern of environmental contamination and its impact on human health.
DEPARTMENT OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS
Safety first! Govt urges Two-wheeler riders to use BIS-Certified Helmets
On 5-7-2025, the Department of Consumer Affairs, Government of India and Bureau of Indian Standards (‘BIS’) encourages consumers across the country to use only BIS- certified helmets.
BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA
Think before you click ‘Enrol’! Understand BCI’s stance on Unapproved Online/Distance LL.M.
Legum Magister or Master of Laws (LL.M.) stands as a pinnacle in the academic arc of legal education in India. It is not merely a decorative credential or a private academic pursuit, it is a statutorily recognized degree essential for entry into legal academia, advanced practice, and judicial progression.
RESERVE BANK OF INDIA
RBI Advises Banks to Integrate DoT’s Financial Fraud Risk Indicator: A step to control cyber- enabled financial frauds
On 30-06-2025, the Reserve Bank of India’s (‘RBI’) issued advisory directing all Scheduled Commercial Banks, Small Finance Banks, Payments Banks, and Co-operative Banks to integrate the Financial Fraud Risk Indicator developed by Department of Telecommunications (‘DoT’) into their systems to fight against cyber-enabled financial frauds.
Understand RBI’s Pre-payment Charges Directions 2025: Empowering Borrowers and Streamlining Lending Norms
On 2-7-2025, the Reserve Bank of India (‘RBI’), notified the RBI (Pre-payment charges on Loans) Directions, 2025 with the objective of eliminating unfair pre-payment charges and promoting transparent lending practices These rules are particularly aimed at protecting individual borrowers and Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs) from restrictive clauses and arbitrary fees.
RBI lays down Directions on Investment in Alternative Investment Funds Scheme
On 29-7-2025, the Reserve Bank of India (‘RBI’) notified the Reserve Bank of India (Investment in AIF) Directions, 2025 to regulate and streamline the how banks and other financial institutions invest in Alternative Investment Funds (‘AIFs’). The provisions will come into effect from 1-1-2026 unless the Regulated Entity (‘RE’) decided for any other date as per its internal policy.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA
SEBI’s Master Circular on ESG Ratings: Strengthening Governance and Transparency in India’s Financial Markets
On 11-7-2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) issued the ‘Master Circular for ESG Rating Providers (‘ERPs’)’ to consolidate all previous regulatory guidelines and introduce uniform standards that enhance the reliability, transparency, and structure of ESG environmental, social, and governance) ratings across India’s capital markets.
Markets Recalibrated: SEBI & BSE Reshape Surveillance Framework for Fairer Trading
On 25-7-2025, the Bombay Stock Exchange (‘BSE’) in consultation with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) notified a ‘Revision of Enhanced Surveillance Measure (‘ESM’)’ framework reflects SEBI’s ongoing commitment to maintaining transparency and investor confidence and to regulate trading in small-cap and micro-cap stocks.
FOOD SAFETY & STANDARDS AUTHORITY OF INDIA
Food Safety Goes Digital with Connect App and QR Code Innovation: Inside FSSAI Advisory
On 25-7-2025, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (‘FSSAI’) circulated an advisory regarding ‘Display of Food Safety Connect Mobile App QR Code/Download Link at Food Premises’. This advisory is meant to improve food safety and make people more aware of it by encouraging food businesses to use digital tools to help consumers across India.
INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES CENTRES AUTHORITY
IFSCA notifies Regulations Empowering TechFin and Ancillary Service Providers
On 8-7-2025, the International Financial Services Centres Authority (‘IFSCA’) notified the ‘International Financial Services Centres Authority (TechFin and Ancillary Services) Regulations, 2025’ to establish a framework for TechFins and Ancillary Services Providers. These provisions aim to aid, help, assist, strengthen, support, directly or indirectly the entities, which are attendant upon or connected with the delivery of financial services.
NATIONAL PAYMENTS CORPORATION OF INDIA
Your guide to UPI changes starting August 1, 2025
On 21-5-2025, the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) notified the ‘Guidelines on usage of Unified Payments Interface (‘UPI’) and Application Programming Interface (‘API’)’. These guidelines aim to revolutionize digital transactions by implementing a set of new technical, operational limits to improve performance and reducing server congestion. All the banks and UPI app providers were directed to implement these rules by 31-7-2025, and enforcement begins from 1-8-2025.
PENSION FUND REGULATORY AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
PFRDA notifies Regulations to operationalize the Unified Pension Scheme
On 19-3-2025, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (‘PFRDA’) notified the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (Operationalization of Unified Pension Scheme under National Pension System) Regulations, 2025 to operationalize the Unified Pension Scheme (‘UPS’) introduced by the Central Government as an option under the National Pension System (‘NPS’) for the employees of the Central Government who are covered under NPS.
CENTRAL ADOPTION RESOURCE AUTHORITY
CARA directs States to implement counselling provisions at all stages of adoption
On 7-7-2025, the Central Adoption Resource Authority (‘CARA’) issued a memorandum for “implementation of Counselling Provisions under Adoption Regulation 2022” directing all the State Adoption Resource Agencies (‘SARAs’) for effective implementation of counselling provisions at the pre- adoption, during adoption, and post adoption stages.
CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION
CBSE introduces Real-Time CCTV Guidelines for safer school environments
On 21-7-2025, the Central Board of Secondary Education (‘CBSE’) issued a notification amending the Affiliation Bye-Laws, 2018, mandating the installation of high-resolution CCTV cameras with real-time audio-visual recording across school premises. This move aims to foster a safer, more secure learning environment by enhancing vigilance through advanced surveillance technologies.
FOREIGN LEGISLATION
South Africa enacts Plant Breeders’ Rights Act to strengthen protection of plant varieties
On 6-6-2025, the Government of South Africa notified commencement of Plant Breeders’ Rights Act, 2018. The Act has come into operation with retrospective effect from 1-6-2025, introducing a modernized legal framework for the protection of new plant varieties, granting breeders exclusive intellectual property rights over their innovations.
A close look at Denmark Guidelines 2025 boosting gender equality
On 4-7-2025, the Government of Denmark notified the ‘Guidance on the possibilities of derogating from the principle of equal treatment between women and men’ to reinforce its principles on gender equality and combating discrimination. These Guidelines outlines the nuanced framework Denmark is grounded to balance the principle of equal treatment with the need for targeted gender equality initiatives, especially under its Equality Act and Equal Treatment Act.
GPAI Code of Practice: A Strategic Framework for EU AI Act Compliance and Responsible AI Innovation
On 10-7-2025, the European Commission announced the ‘General-Purpose AI Code of Practice’, marking a pivotal step in Europe’s approach to Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance. The Code offers a voluntary framework to help providers comply with the Europe’s (‘EU’) AI regulations and reflects the input and priorities of key AI stakeholders.
STATE LEGISLATION
Delhi Govt. notifies Rules to empower Transgender Persons through inclusive governance, schemes, and equal opportunity
On 11-7-2025, the Delhi Government notified the ‘Delhi Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Rules, 2025’ to promote the social inclusion of transgender persons, raise public awareness about their rights, and facilitate access to welfare schemes in Delhi.
Electronic Evidence & Video Conferencing: Delhi High Court’s 2025 Rules redefine Digital Justice
On 4-7-2025, the High Court of Delhi notified the ‘Electronic Evidence and Video Conferencing Rules, 2025’ with the objective of integrating digital tools in judicial proceedings. These Rules aim to facilitate the seamless use of video conferencing technologies and the admissibility of electronic evidence, streamlining courtroom processes while upholding the sanctity, inclusiveness, and procedural fairness of judicial proceedings.
