As we wrap up September 2025, it’s essential to highlight the significant legislative developments that have emerged this month. This Legislation Roundup for September 2025 covers crucial updates, including all updates on New GST Rates of goods, updated GST Rates on Services, Re-appointment of Attorney General, new laws on Immigration and Foreigners, UPS with one time switch facility, BCI Special Flood Relief Grant for Bar Associations in Punjab & Haryana and more.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH: All about GST New Rates
GST Council’s 56th Meet introduces Key Slab Reforms and Tribunal Rollout — New GST Rates & FAQs Inside
On 3-9-2025, the Goods and Services Tax Council (‘GST Council’) held the 56th GST Council meeting chaired by Union Finance & Corporate Affairs Minister Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman, marking a transformative moment in India’s tax landscape. The Council unveiled a multi-sectoral reform agenda aimed at enhancing transparency, simplifying compliance, and promoting ease of doing business, especially for small traders and entrepreneurs. The revised GST rates will come into effect from 22-09-2025. Tobacco product rates will be notified separately due to pending cess issues.
New GST Rates effective from 22-9-2025: Major reform to ease consumer burden and simplify tax structure
On 17-9-2025, the Ministry of Finance notified the new rates of Goods and Services replacing the rates notified in the year 2017 on 28-6-2017 to streamline the tax structure and provide relief to consumers. The new rates will come into effect from 22-9-2025.
GST Overhaul: Revised IGST and UTGST Rate Structure
On 17-9-2025, the Ministry of Finance announced the revised tax rates under Integrated GST (‘IGST’) Rate and Union Territory (‘UTGST’) Rate. These redefined tax rate structures will take effect from 22-9-2025.
Next-Gen GST in Action: Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal Launched for Fairness and Certainty
On 24-9-2025, the Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs Smt. Nirmala Sitharaman formally launched the Goods and Services Tax Appellate Tribunal (‘GSTAT’), strengthening India’s Goods and Services Tax (‘GST’) framework and indirect tax dispute resolution.
APPOINTMENTS
R. Venkatramani to continue as Attorney-General for India; Sunil Jain takes role as Additional Solicitor General for India for MP High Court
Recently, the President appointed the Attorney General for India and the Additional Solicitor General for India for the High Court of Madhya Pradesh on 26-9-2025 and 29-9-20225 respectively.
UNION CABINET
Cabinet Clears Massive Boost in MBBS and PG Seats Nationwide
On 24-9-2025, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved Phase-III of the Centrally Sponsored Scheme (‘CSS’) to significantly expand both postgraduate (‘PG’) and undergraduate (‘UG’) medical education capacity across the country.
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 notified: Legal Framework and Repealed Laws
On 31-8-2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs appointed 1-9-2025 as the date on which the Immigration and Foreigners Act, 2025 comes into force.
India overhauls Immigration Laws: Key Highlights from the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025
On 1-9-2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs notified the Immigration and Foreigners Rules, 2025 replacing the Passport (Entry into India) Rules, 1950, the Registration of Foreigners Rules, 1992 and the Immigration (Carriers’ Liability) Rules, 2007. The provisions came into force on 1-9-2025.
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Boiler Accident Inquiry Rules, 2025: Reporting, Investigation & Safety Guidelines
On 10-9-2025, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry notified the Boiler Accident Inquiry Rules, 2025 to modernize and strengthen the safety framework surrounding boiler operations. The provisions came into force on 10-9-2025.
MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Key Highlights of the Companies (CAA) Amendment Rules, 2025
On 4-9-2025, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (‘MCA’) notified the Companies (Compromises, Arrangements and Amalgamations) Amendment Rules, 2025, expanding the scope of fast-track mergers. It now allows mergers between unlisted companies, holding-subsidiary combinations, and subsidiaries of the same group, streamlining approvals through Regional Directors instead of tribunals. These Rules will be effective from 4-9-2025.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
Central GST Third Amendment Rules, 2025: Key Reforms and Implications
On 17-9-2025, the Ministry of Finance notified the Central Goods and Services Tax (Third Amendment) Rules, 2025, aimed at streamlining refund procedures, refining appellate mechanisms, and enhancing reporting formats in annual returns and reconciliation statements. This Amendment Rule will come into effect form 22-9-2025.
MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
2025 Amendments to Medical and Pharmaceutical Marketing Practices: Valuation of Free Samples & Annual Disclosures
On 1-9-2025, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers issued Amendments to Uniform Code for Pharmaceuticals Marketing Practices 2024 and Uniform Code for Marketing Practices in Medical Devices 2024.
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES AND PENSIONS
Unified Pension Scheme allows onetime Switch Facility for reverting to the National Pension System
On 2-9-2025, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions notified the Central Civil Services (Implementation of the Unified Pension Scheme under the National Pension System) Rules, 2025 to regulate the methods of implementation of Unified Pension Scheme as an option under the National Pension System for the employees of the Central Government who are covered under the National Pension System. The provision came into force on 2-9-2025.
MINISTRY OF RAILWAYS
Booking Railway Tickets on IRCTC? Aadhaar Authentication Mandatory from October 1
On 15-9-2025, the Ministry of Railways announced a significant reform in the online ticketing system: Aadhaar authentication will be mandatory for booking general reserved tickets online. This measure is aimed at enhancing transparency and ensuring equitable access for genuine passengers. This directive will come into effect from 01-10-2025.
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE
Towards Greener Governance: Environment Audit Rules, 2025 notified
On 29-8-2025, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate notified Environment Audit Rules, 2025, to establish a framework to strengthen environmental accountability across India. These rules, issued under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986, aim to institutionalize independent audits of projects, activities, and processes that have a bearing on the environment. These Rules came into effect on 29-8-2025.
CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECT TAXES
Relief for Taxpayers: CBDT Pushes Audit Filing Deadline to October-End
On 25-9-2025, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (‘CBDT’) announced an extension of the specified date for filing various audit reports for the Assessment Year 2025—26. The deadline now stands extended to 31-10-2025.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA
SEBI’s new Framework set ₹10,000 Crore Cap on Intraday Equity Index Derivatives
On 1-9-2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) notified Framework for Intraday Position Limits Monitoring for Equity Index Derivatives, marking a pivotal step toward enhancing market integrity and risk management in the derivatives segment. The whole circular will be effective from 1-10-2025 with one specific provision, pertaining to expiry-day penalties, becoming effective from 6-12-2025.
What Investors Need to Know About SEBI’s New Angel Fund Rules
On 10-9-2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) notified ‘Revised regulatory framework for Angel Funds under AIF Regulations’. The updated framework, aimed at improving ease of doing business, reducing operational risks, and enhancing transparency, introduces several key changes to how Angel Funds operate under the Alternative Investment Funds (AIF) Regulations, 2012.
Nominee to Legal Heir Made Easy: SEBI’s New Framework for Seamless Securities Transmission
On 19-9-2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) issued a circular titled Ease of Doing Investment: Smooth Transmission of Securities from Nominee to Legal Heir. This directive aims to streamline the process of transferring securities from nominees to legal heirs, eliminate procedural bottlenecks, and reduce tax-related inconveniences, effective from 1-1-2026.
SEBI (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 introduces Special Provisions for Delisting of Public Sector Undertaking
On 1-9-2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India notified the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Delisting of Equity Shares) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 to amend the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Delisting of Equity Shares) Regulations, 2021. The provisions came into force on 2-9-2025.
RESERVE BANK OF INDIA
PhonePe Fined ₹21 Lakh by RBI over PPI Compliance Breach
On 12-9-2025, the Reserve Bank of India (‘RBI’) announced penalising PhonePe Limited (formerly known as PhonePe Private Limited) with a monetary fine of ₹21 lakh for non-compliance with its regulatory directions on Prepaid Payment Instruments (PPIs).
11 States Raise ₹25,000 Crore via RBI Securities Auction
On 19-9-2025, the Reserve Bank of India (‘RBI’) announced the auction of State Government Securities (SGS), aimed at facilitating state-level fundraising through the sale of bonds to support long-term development, infrastructure, and fiscal planning. The auction was conducted on 23-09-2025.
BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA
BCI directs Centres of Legal Education to complete documentation for 2026-27 approval by September 23, 2025
On 8-9-2025, the Bar Council of India again directed the Centres of Legal Education to complete their particulars and documentation for extension of approval and updation on the Bar Council of India Portal within 15 days from 8-9-2025.
Bar Council of India announces Special Flood Relief Grant for Bar Associations in Punjab & Haryana
On 10-9-2025, the Bar Council of India announced the Special Flood Relief Grant for Bar Associations, 2025 as a one time-financial grant aimed at Bar Associations in Punjab and Haryana affected by the 2025 floods. The Bar Council of India duly considered, framed and approved the execution of One Time Special Relief Scheme for Flood Affected Bar Associations 2025 by a circulation dated 9-9-2025.
Supreme Court Bar Association proposes LIC Group Term Insurance of Rs. 10 lakhs for eligible members- No Premium Required
On 16-9-2025, the Executive Committee of Supreme Court Bar Association proposed to introduce a LIC Group Term Insurance Cover of Rs. 10 lakhs for Supreme Court Bar Association members to provide a uniform protective cover and to strengthen the welfare measures of the Association.
BCI’s How-to Guide for Centres of Legal Education to complete registration process
The Bar Council of India has issued a notification to assist the Centres of Legal Education to log in to the previously created account and complete the updation of the existing Centres of Legal Education/ University Application.
All India Bar Examination (AIBE-XX) 2025: Check out the Official Schedule
On 26-9-2025, the Bar Council of India (BCI) officially announced the schedule for the All-India Bar Examination (AIBE-XX), a crucial certification exam for law graduates aspiring to practice law in India. This year’s exam is set to be held on 30-11-2025.
INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL SERVICES CENTRES AUTHORITY
IFSCA (Payments Regulatory Board) Regulations, 2024: New Framework for Payment Oversight
On 12-9-2025, the International Financial Services Centres Authority notified the International Financial Services Centres Authority (Payments Regulatory Board) Regulations, 2024 to repeal the International Financial Services Centres Authority (Board for Regulation and Supervision of Payment and Settlement Systems) Regulations, 2024. The provisions came into force on 16-9-2025.
PENSION FUND REGULATORY AND DEVELOPMENT AUTHORITY
Unified Pension Scheme Extension: Eligibility, Procedure, and Deadlines for New Entrants
On 16-9-2025, the Pension Fund Regulatory and Development Authority (‘PFRDA’) announced an extension of the Unified Pension Scheme (‘UPS’) option for newly appointed Central Government employees. The last date to exercise the one-time option under NPS to opt for UPS is 30-9-2025.
ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA
ECI Implements Supreme Court Order: Aadhaar Now Valid for Identity in SIR Bihar
On 9-9-2025, the Election Commission of India (‘ECI’) issued a significant notification ‘Acceptance of Aadhaar as proof of identity during Special Intensive Revision (‘SIR’), Bihar’, marking a pivotal update in the use of Aadhaar within the electoral process.
DIRECTOR GENERAL OF HEALTH SERVICES
Use of “Dr.” by Physiotherapists Under Examination: DGHS Directive Withdrawn for Review
On 9-9-2025, the Director General of Health Services (‘DGHS’), under the Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, issued a directive stating that physiotherapists are not entitled to use the prefix “Dr.”. The directive was in response to professional concerns raised by multiple medical bodies and is currently under further examination following its withdrawal.
BUREAU OF INDIAN STANDARDS
Silver Gets Smarter: BIS Launches Hallmarking Unique Identification (HUID) to identify Purity & Protection
On 4-9-2025, the Bureau of Indian Standards (‘BIS’) introduced Hallmarking Unique Identification (HUID)— based hallmarking for silver jewelry and articles on a voluntary basis with effect from 1-9-2025 to help consumers ensure the purity of metal while purchasing.
STATE LEGISLATION
Delhi High Court Law Researchers Get a Pay and Policy Upgrade
On 8-9-2025, the Delhi Government issued an official order “Engagement of Law Researchers, in High Court of Delhi, and enhancement of their remuneration”, marking a significant administrative reform aimed at strengthening judicial support services in the capital. The notification outlines key decisions that will directly impact the functioning of the Delhi High Court and the working conditions of Law Researchers.
FOREIGN LEGISLATION
Amid regulatory uncertainty India Post suspends all mail services to the US
On 31-8-2025, the Department of Posts issued a decisive public notice announcing the complete suspension of all categories of mail to the United States of America. This includes letters, documents, and gift items valued up to $100, marking a full halt in postal connectivity between India and U.S. The move comes in the wake of persistent logistical challenges and undefined regulatory mechanisms that have made it impossible for carriers to transport U.S.-bound mail.
Are you a H-1B Visa Aspirant? Know the Impositions and Implications of $100,000 US Visa Application Fee
On 19-9-2025, the White House issued a presidential proclamation titled “Restriction on Entry of Certain Non-immigrant Workers” marking an initial and incremental step toward reforming the H-1B visa program. The proclamation aims to curb program abuses and safeguard American workers. As part of this reform, all new H-1B visa petitions filed after 12:01 a.m. EDT on 21-9-2025, are required to include a one-time payment of $100,000.
Reshaping Arbitration in the UK: What the Arbitration Act 2025 Means for Practice
The Arbitration Act 2025 marks a pivotal moment in the evolution of arbitration law in the United Kingdom. Enacted on 24-2-2025, the Act aims to refine and clarify existing principles, a reform that reshaped the UK’s arbitration framework.
