As we wrap up November 2025, it’s essential to highlight the significant legislative developments that have emerged this month. This Legislation Roundup for December 2025 covers crucial updates, including all updates on Winter Session, Reforms in NDPS Rules 2025, Updates on Labour Codes, Directions to protect Aravalli Range, Digital Sponsorship Module for e-B4 Visa, updates on ESIC SPREE Circular.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH:
Parliament Winter Session 2025 Wrap-Up: Key Laws, Big Reforms, and Bills That Matter
The Winter Session of Parliament commenced from 1-12-2025 to 19-12-2025, spanning 19 days and 15 sittings, marked by significant legislative activity and debates. The session was notable for commemorating the 150th anniversary of the National Anthem “Vande Mataram”. Extensive discussions were done on electoral reforms, fiscal priorities, and key measures shaping India’s governance and development roadmap.
Bills/ Ordinances
Right to Disconnect Bill 2025 tabled in Lok Sabha: Will India move towards better Work-Life Balance?
On 5-12-2025, the Right to Disconnect Bill, 2025, was tabled in the Lok Sabha. This Bill was introduced by Mrs. Supriya Sule, Member of Parliament, proposing rights that aim to pay respect employees’ personal space by recognizing disengaging or disconnect as their legal right, while allowing companies flexibility to negotiate terms suited to their work culture. It also addresses unpaid overtime, mandates policies for remote work, and introduces counselling and digital detox initiatives to mitigate the adverse effects of hyper-connectivity.
From National Commission for Men to Right to Read: 26 Transformative Bills Tabled in Rajya Sabha
On 5-12-2025, 26 Bills were introduced in Rajya Sabha that might become Act. This article lists the bills that will form new acts in 2025. This initiative will bring major changes in the legislative structure of India.
Constitutional Amendments, IBC Changes, Data Protection Reforms, and Criminal Law Updates: Major Amendment Bills Introduced in Rajya Sabha
On 5-12-2025, a series of amendment bills were introduced in the Rajya Sabha to strengthen and modernise key laws. These bills aim to address emerging social, technological, and governance challenges across multiple sectors. Together, they update existing Acts to ensure clearer protections, better enforcement, and improved public accountability.
Artificial Intelligence (Ethics and Accountability) Bill 2025: Key Provisions, Need & Impact
Recently, the Artificial Intelligence (Ethics and Accountability) Bill, 2025 was introduced in Lok Sabha, by Bharti Pardhi, to establish an Ethics and Accountability Framework for the use of Artificial Intelligence technologies in decision- making surveillance, and ensure fairness, transparency and accountability.
Securities Markets Code, 2025 introduced in Lok Sabha: Key Highlights and Implications
On 15-12-2025, the Securities Markets Code, 2025 was introduced in Lok Sabha to introduce a framework that consolidates and modernises existing securities laws to strengthen investor protection, streamline regulation, and align with evolving technology and market practices.
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.
SUPREME COURT OF INDIA
Supreme Court Accelerates Justice — These Urgent Matters Now Must Be Automatically Listed in Two Days
On 29-11-2025, the Supreme Court of India introduced a new listing protocol to ensure faster hearing of cases involving the liberty of individuals and matters requiring urgent interim relief. The directive introduced in under the tenure of the newly appointed Chief Justice of India, Justice Surya Kant, will come into effect from 01-12- 2025.
Adjournment Requests in Supreme Court: Revised Protocol to take Effect from December 1
On 29-11-2025, the Supreme Court of India issued a circular partially modifying the procedures/modalities relating to circulation of Letters seeking for adjournment of cases. The revised rules take effect from 01-12-2025.
Supreme Court regulates Oral Mentioning of matters before CJI; Revised process to take effect from 1-12-2025
Under the tenure of newly appointed CJI Surya Kant, on 29-11-2025, the Supreme Court Registry issued an important circular on oral mentioning of matters. It was stated that there will be no oral mentioning of matters will be permitted before Chief Justice of India.
Supreme Court issues circular for streamlining service of Bail Petitions
On 29-11-2025, the Supreme Court issued Circular centred around streamlining of service and listing of Bail Petitions filed in the Supreme Court. Henceforth in all Bail Petitions filed in Supreme Court, immediately on registration, the Advocate-on-Record for the Petitioner(s)/Petitioner(s)-in-Person are required to serve an advance copy of the Petition upon the Standing Counsel/Nodal Officer for the Respondent-Union of India/State/Union Territory.
BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA
BCI Reforms Legal Education: Legislative and Plain Language Drafting Now Part of LL.B. Curriculum
On 13-12-2025, the Bar Council of India (‘BCI’) announced the integration of “Drafting of Legislation” and “Plain Language Drafting” into the subject Drafting, Pleading and Conveyance under Schedule II, Part II(B) of the Rules of Legal Education, 2008.
MINISTRY OF LAW AND JUSTICE
Health Security & National Security Cess Act, 2025: Objectives, Compliance, and Penalties
On 15-12-2025, the Ministry of Law and Justice issued Health Security se National Security Cess Act, 2025, introducing a new cess aimed at generating resources for these critical sectors. Introduction of HSNS Cess Act is a significant step towards strengthening the nation’s public health infrastructure and national security.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
Significant Reforms in NDPS Rules 2025: Key Changes in Import and Export Procedures
On 10-12-2025, the Ministry of Finance notified the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (‘NDPS’) (Amendment) Rules, 2025 to introduces significant procedural reforms to the import and export of narcotic drugs. These provisions came into effect on 10-12-2025.
Government Empowers SEBI as ‘Authorised Agency’ for Digital Securities Ecosystem
On 8-12-2025, the Finance Ministry announced that Securities and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) has been formally designated as an authorised agency under the Information Technology Act, 2000.
Foreign Investment in Indian Insurance: What Changed Under the Indian Insurance Companies (Foreign Investment) Amendment 2025 Rules?
On 30-12-2025, the Ministry of Finance notified the Indian Insurance Companies (Foreign Investment) Amendment Rules, 2025, to align foreign investment norms in the insurance sector with updated regulatory frameworks. These Amendment Rules came into force on 30-12-2025.
MINISTRY OF HOME AFFAIRS
NHRC Service Rules 2025: Salaries, Allowances & Conditions of Service for 50 Posts
On 27-11-2025, the Ministry of Home Affairs notified the National Human Rights Commission (Salaries, Allowances and Conditions of Service of Officers and other Staff) Rules, 2025 to create a structured and fair system for managing the workforce of National Human Rights Commission, in line with the Government norms and the National Human Rights Commission’s mandate. The provisions came into force on 27-11-2025.
MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Companies (Specification of Definition Details) Amendment Rules, 2025: Expansion of Threshold Limit for Small Companies
On 1-12-2025, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs notified the Companies (Specification of definition details) Amendment Rules, 2025. This Amendment aims in broadening the scope of a small company under the Companies Act, 2013. This Amendment came into force on 1-12-2025….
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Legal Metrology Sixth Amendment Rules 2025: New Standards for Evidential Breath Analysers
On 28-11-2025, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution notified the Legal Metrology (General) Sixth Amendment Rules, 2025 to amend the Legal Metrology (General) Rules, 2011. The provisions will come into effect on 1-4-2026.
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Industrial Relations Code (Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2025 — Continuity of Adjudication for Pending Cases
On 8-12-2025, the Ministry of Labour and Employment notified the Industrial Relations Code (Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2025 to ensure smooth transition and provide clarity on functioning adjudicatory bodies. The provisions came into force on 8-12-2025.
Corrigendum to Code on Social Security, 2020 Enforcement Dates: Clarity on EPS, EPF Provisions
On 19-12-2025, the Ministry of Labour and Employment notified a corrigendum notification to its earlier notification regarding enforcement dates of the Code on Social Security, 2020.
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Centre issues Directions to protect Aravalli Range and ban mining leases
On 24-12-2025, the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change announced Directions to protect the entire Aravalli range and curb illegal mining. The Centre has directed State Governments to impose a complete ban on granting any new mining leases across the Aravalli terrain, which stretches from Delhi to Gujarat.
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT AND HIGHWAYS
SEBI’s ‘in-principle’ approval boosts NHAI InvIT highway monetisation drive
On 5-12-2025, the Ministry of Road Transport & Highways has announced that Securities and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) has granted in-principle approval to register the Highways Infra Investment Trust (‘RIIT’) as an Infrastructure Investment Trust (‘InvIT’).
MINISTRY OF COAL
Government Simplifies Coal Mine Opening Process with Colliery Control (Amendment) Rules, 2025
On 23-12-2025, the Ministry of Coal notified the Colliery Control (Amendment) Rules, 2025, aiming to eliminate procedural redundancies, accelerate coal production, and ensure faster operationalisation of mines while maintaining regulatory oversight. The Amendment Rules came into force on 24-12-2025.
MINISTRY OF AGRICULTURE AND FARMERS WELFARE
Aadhaar authentication compulsory for NMNF benefits; Farmers to receive ₹4,000 per acre annually for 2 years
On 22-12-2025, the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare issued a notification making Aadhaar authentication mandatory for availing benefits under the National Mission on Natural Farming (‘NMNF’). This Notification came into effect on 23-12-2025.
DEPARTMENT FOR PROMOTION OF INDUSTRY AND INTERNAL TRADE
DPIIT Introduces Digital Sponsorship Module for e-B4 Visa to Boost Ease of Doing Business
On 17-12-2025, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (‘DPIIT’) announced the launch of an online module for Indian companies to generate sponsorship letters for inviting foreign professionals under the e-Production Investment Business Visa (‘e-B4 Visa’).
CENTRAL BOARD OF SECONDARY EDUCATION
CBSE Withdraws Jaipur’s Neerja Modi School’s affiliation After 9-Year-Old Student’s Death — How Students Will Be Affected
On 30-12-2025, the Central Board of Secondary Education (‘CBSE’) revoked the affiliation granted to Neerja Modi School, Jaipur, Rajasthan, following a detailed inquiry that revealed gross violations of mandatory child safety norms and Affiliation Bye-Laws following the tragic death of a nine-year-old student on the school premises.
INDIA INTERNATIONAL ARBITRATION CENTRE
India International Arbitration Centre (Transaction of Business of Committees) Regulations, 2025 — Key Provisions & Governance Framework
On 24-12-2025, the India International Arbitration Centre notified the India International Arbitration Centre (Transaction of Business of Committees) Regulations, 2025 to clarify and formalize the internal governance processes of the India International Arbitration Centre’s committees. The provisions came into force on 24-12-2025.
COMPETITION COMMISSION OF INDIA
CCI Directs Maharashtra Liquor Associations to Halt Anti-Competitive Practices
On 11-12-2025, the Competition Commission of India (‘CCI’) issued a directive to 3 major liquor trade associations in Maharashtra, instructing them to immediately cease and desist from engaging in anti-competitive practices.
EMPLOYEE’S STATE INSURANCE CORPORATION
ESIC Circular on SPREE Initiative: Compliance Under Social Security Code
On 11-12-2025, the Employee’s State Insurance Corporation (‘ESIC’) issued a circular regarding the implementation of the Code on Social Security, 2020. The circular advised organizations to prioritise compliance and to ensure ESIC’s employees to receive benefits under Code on Social Security, 2020.
SPREE Circular is for awareness only; Compliance to take place once Social Security Code Rules Are Notified: ESIC Clarifies
On 18-12-2025, the Employee’s State Insurance Corporation (‘ESIC’) issued a circular clarifying the purpose of its earlier communication dated 11-12-2025 regarding the SPREE1 initiative. In continuation of the official letter, ESIC stated that the earlier circular was issued only to create awareness among employers during SPREE.
RESERVE BANK OF INDIA
FEMA Amendment 2025: RBI Revises Export and Import of Currency Rules for India, Nepal, and Bhutan
On 28-11-2025, the Reserve Bank of India (‘RBI’) notified the Foreign Exchange Management (Export and Import of Currency) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025, introducing significant changes concerning the movement of currency between India and its neighbouring countries, Nepal and Bhutan. This Amendment came into force on 28-11-2025.
RBI’s Comprehensive Framework of 244 Directions: Strengthening Governance, Compliance, and Financial Stability
On 28-11-2025, the Reserve Bank of India (‘RBI’) issued Directions and Notifications. The Directions are 244 and 3 guidelines covering a wide spectrum of regulatory and operational aspects for the financial sector. These span credit card facilities, credit resource management, prudential norms, governance standards, Cash Reserve Ratio (‘CRR’), Statutory Liquidity Ratio (‘SLR’), interest rate regulations, asset liability management, income recognition, asset classification, and treatment of wilful defaulters.
RBI Issues 7 Amendment Directions to Enhance Basic Savings Bank Deposit Accounts — December 2025
On 4-12-2025, the Reserve Bank of India issued 7 Amendment Directions to amend the extant instructions on the Basic Savings Bank Deposit account applicable to Banks.
RBI Issues 10 Amendment Directions to Enhance Credit Information Reporting Accuracy and Timeliness
On 4-12-2025, the Reserve Bank of India issued 10 Amendment Directions to amend the extant instructions relating to credit information reporting process. The main objective is to ensure more frequent, accurate and timely reporting of credit information by Credit Institutions to Credit Information Companies, thereby improving the quality and recency of Credit Information Reporting used in credit underwriting and monitor.
Repo Rate Cut by RBI: Key Highlights from December 2025 Monetary Policy
On 5-12-2025, the Reserve Bank of India (‘RBI’) announced the outcome of its 58th Monetary Policy Committee (‘MPC’) meeting, held from 3-12-2025 to 5-12-2025, through its Monetary Policy Statement for 2025-26. The MPC announced the new repo rate as 5.25 per cent, effective from 5-12-2025.
RBI Issues Repeal & Amendment Directions for Co-operative Banks to Harmonize Business Authorization Guidelines — Dec 2025
On 4-12-2025, the Reserve Bank of India issued 3 Repeal Directions Guidelines and 1 Amendment Direction to revise the extant instructions applicable to co-operative banks.
RBI Issues 6 Amendment Directions to Repeal Guidelines on Credit Supply for Large Borrowers — December 2025
On 4-12-2025, the Reserve Bank of India issued 6 Amendment Directions to repeal ‘Guidelines on Enhancing Credit Supply for Large Borrowers through Market Mechanism’. The main objective is to recalibrate prudential requirements in the wake of strengthening of regulatory framework and supervisory oversight, and improvement in bank balance sheets.
RBI Streamlines Gold Metal Loan Regulations: Key Takeaways
On 4-12-2025, the Reserve Bank of India (‘RBI’) issued a notification announcing amendments to the Gold Metal Loan (‘GML’) Scheme. These changes mark a significant step toward consolidating regulations, addressing prudential gaps, and enhancing operational flexibility for banks.
RBI Revises Large Exposures and Intragroup Transactions Guidelines
On 4-12-2025, the Reserve Bank of India (‘RBI’) issued a notification announcing amendments to the Large Exposures Framework (‘LEF’) and Intragroup Transactions & Exposures (‘ITE’). These changes represent a significant step toward consolidating regulations, addressing prudential gaps in the treatment of foreign bank branch exposures, and enhancing methodological clarity for banks.
RBI Issues 7 Amendment Directions on Responsible Business Conduct & BSBD Account Rules Effective April 2026
On 4-12-2025, the Reserve Bank of India issued 7 amendment directions relating to Responsible Business Conduct. The provisions of all the 7 amendments will come into force on 1-4-2026.
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA
SEBI Introduces Informal Guidance Scheme: What Listed Companies and Intermediaries Need to Know
On 18-11-2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) notified the SEBI (Informal Guidance) Scheme, 2025. The scheme aims to provide clarity to market participants on the interpretation and applicability of SEBI-administered laws and regulations, thereby promoting orderly regulation and development of the securities market. The Scheme will be effective from 1-12-2025.
NRIs Re-KYC: SEBI Relaxes Geo-tagging, IP & GPS Checks for Digital KYC on Mobile App
On 10-12-2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India issued a notification on Relaxation on geo- tagging requirement in India for Non- Resident Indians (‘NRIs’) while undertaking re-KYC.
SEBI’s New Governance Provisions for Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs)
On 12-12-2025, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) notified the provisions relating to strengthening governance of Market Infrastructure Institutions (‘MIIs’). These provisions aim to enhance accountability and ensure that MIIs continue to operate in the public interest, maintaining market integrity and stability.
FOREIGN LEGISLATION
What Does the UK Property (Digital Assets etc) Act 2025 Mean for Digital Assets?
On 2-12-2025, the United Kingdom (‘UK’) gave Royal Assent to the Property (Digital Assets etc) Act 2025, to formally recognising digital and electronic assets as capable of being objects of personal property rights. This Act came into force on 2-12-2025.
STATE LEGISLATION
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. This Amendment Act came into force on 15-12-2025.
Delhi High Court Issues Rules on Personal Appearance of Government Officials in Court Proceedings, 2025
On 26-12-2025, the High Court of Delhi notified the Personal appearance of Government Officials in Court Proceedings Rules, 2025 applicable to all Court proceedings involving the government in cases before the High Court of Delhi as well District Courts and Tribunals under the control and supervision of the High Court of Delhi, acting under their respective appellate and/or original jurisdiction or proceedings related to contempt of Court.