As we wrap up January 2026, it’s essential to highlight the significant legislative developments that have emerged this month. This Legislation Roundup January 2026 covers UGC Guidelines for Mental Health, Digital Notary Portal, Free Legal Aid services, raise in Excise Duty on tobacco products, National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026, Environmental (Protection) Fund Rules, 2026, AIBE-XX Results.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH:
UGC Issues Guidelines for Mental Health and Well-Being in Higher Educational Institutions
On 13-1-2026, the University Grants Commission (‘UGC’) circulated the UGC Guidelines on Uniform Policy on Mental Health & Well-Being for Higher Educational Institutions (‘HEIs’). These guidelines form a comprehensive step toward strengthening mental-health support systems across educational institutions….
Read full report on UGC Guidelines
KEY BILLS, DRAFT POLICIES AND ORDINANCES — JANUARY 2026Towards safer, gender inclusive workplaces and modern labour laws: Delhi Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026
On 9-1-2026, the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi introduced the Delhi Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The Bill aims of modernizing labour practices and strengthening workplace protections, particularly for women employees.
Reimagining India’s Power Toward Viksit Bharat @2047: Ministry of Power releases Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 for public consultation
On 20-1-2026, the Ministry of Power issued the draft of National Electricity Policy (NEP) 2026, introducing a framework that ensures reliable affordable and sustainable electricity supply. It aims to bring transformation to power sector aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.
PARLIAMENTARY UPDATES AND GOVERNMENT RESPONSES — JANUARY 2026
Inside the Newly launched Digital Notary Portal: How Notarial Services Are Going Paperless
On 29-01-2026, in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of Law and Justice, informed the Rajya Sabha about the launch of the Notary Portal to digitally modernize the Legal Services. This Portal will be a dedicated platform for providing online services for the works related to the Notary Act, 1952 and the Notary Rules, 1956.
Law Ministry outlines initiatives for establishing Legal Aid Centres in tribal and remote belts
On 29-01-2026, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of Law and Justice, in response to a question in Rajya Sabha, stated that the Government continues to strengthen legal aid delivery systems across the country.
PIMS After Six Years: Law Ministry Updates Parliament on Commercial Disputes Settled Through Pre-Institution Mediation
On 29-1-2026, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of Law and Justice, updated the Parliament on the progress of Pre-Institution Mediation and Settlement (‘PIMS’) under the Commercial Courts Act, 2015.
Free Legal Aid services reach citizens from Taluk to Supreme Court, says Law Ministry
On 29-01-2026, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal gave updates on Free Legal Aid Services in India. He informed that the Government has set up a National Legal Service Authority under the Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987.
MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE
Comprehensive Overview of the Repealing and Amending Act, 2025: Repealed Laws & Major Amendments
On 21-12-2025, the Ministry of Law and Justice notified the Repealing and Amending Act, 2025 to repeal certain enactments and to amend certain other enactments. The provisions came into force on 20-12-2025.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
Cigarettes to burn holes in your pocket from Feb 2026: Govt raises Excise Duty on tobacco products
On 31-12-2025, the Finance Ministry issued a notification announcing Central Excise Duty on tobacco products. The notification covers cigarettes, cigarillos, chewing tobacco, gutkha, snuff, smoking mixtures, hukkah tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, and other related preparations.
GSTAT Allows Leniency in Appeal Scrutiny Until July 2026
On 20-1-2026, the Ministry of Finance, GST Appellate Tribunal issued an Office Order considering the difficulties faced by the appellants in the initial phase for filing of appeals on the GSTAT Portal.
MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT
All you need to know about the Draft Rules under India’s Four Labour Codes
The Central Government implemented these Four Labour Codes on 21-11-2025. This marked a historic consolidation of 29 labour laws into 4 comprehensive codes simplifying compliance and strengthening worker protections.
FAQs on the Labour Codes: Everything Employers and Employees Need to Know!
On 30-12-2025, the Ministry of Labour and Employment notified the detailed set of FAQs on the Labour Codes, crucial for clarifying provisions, compliance requirements, and dispelling myths, helping employers, employees, and professionals navigate the changes introduced by the Codes.
Key FAQs on Social Security Code 2020: Clarifications for Modern Workforce Needs
On 9-1-2026, the Ministry of Labour and Employment notified the Frequently Asked Questions on Social Security Code, 2020, providing clarifications aimed at simplifying compliance, promoting inclusivity, and adapting to the evolving needs of India’s workforce.
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Overview of Environmental (Protection) Fund Rules, 2026
On 15-1-2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change notified the Environmental (Protection) Fund Rules, 2026, introducing a unified national mechanism for collecting, allocating, and utilizing environmental penalties for measurable and accountable environmental protection activities.
Revised Uniform Consent Guidelines Introduced under Air and Water Laws to Accelerate Industrial Approvals
On 23-1-2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the following: Control of Air Pollution (Grant, Refusal or Cancellation of Consent) Amendment Guidelines, 2026. Control of Water Pollution (Grant, Refusal or Cancellation of Consent) Amendment Guidelines, 2026.
MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
MeitY Advisory to Social Media Platforms on Unlawful Online Content: Compliance Under IT Act & Rules
On 29-12-2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (‘MeitY’) has issued an advisory to all intermediaries including social media platforms, prohibiting hosting, uploading, sharing, or transmission of obscene, pornographic, vulgar, indecent, sexually explicit, or paedophilic content, as well as material harmful to children or otherwise unlawful under prevailing statutes.
MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS
Ensuring Transparency and Athlete Representation: National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026
On 12-1-2026, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026, introducing a framework to strengthen transparency, accountability, and athlete representation in the governance of sports bodies across India. These Rules came into effect on 12-1-2026.
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS
Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026: Unpaid Toll Fees to Impact NOC, Fitness and Permits
On 13-1-2026, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (‘MoRTH’) notified the Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, introducing new provisions linked to unpaid user fees (toll dues) and tightening compliance requirements for vehicle owners. These Rules came into effect on 14-1-2026.
BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA
AIBE-XX Results Declared: 69.21% Pass Rate, Next Exam on June 7, 2026
On 7-1-2026, the Bar Council of India (‘BCI’) announced the results of the All-India Bar Examination-XX (‘AIBE-XX’). The AIBE-XX was conducted on 30-11-2025 across 399 centers in 56 different cities.
INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRES AUTHORITY
IFSCA Global In-House Centres Regulations 2025: Key Objectives, Eligibility & Registration Process
On 24-12-2025, the International Financial Centres Authority notified the International Financial Services Centres Authority (Global In-House Centres) Regulations, 2025 to position India’s International Financial Services Centres as dynamic global hubs for high-value financial and related services. The provisions came into force on 29-12-2025.
NATIONAL HIGHWAYS AUTHORITY OF INDIA
NHAI’s New FASTag Policy: No KYV Needed for FASTags From February 2026
On 1-1-2026, the National Highways Authority of India (‘NHAI’) announced the discontinuation of the Know Your Vehicle (‘KYV’) requirement for all newly issued FASTags in the car/jeep/van category. This step is aimed at enhancing public convenience, reducing delays, and making highway travel smoother for millions of commuters across India. This initiative will be effective from 1-2-2026…
UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION AUTHORITY OF INDIA
UIDAI hikes Aadhaar PVC Card Fee: New Rates Effective January 2026
On 12-12-2025, the Unique Identification Authority of India (‘UIDAI’) announced an increase in the rates of service fee for PVC Aadhaar cards. These revised rates became effective from 1-1-2026.
UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION
UGC 2026 Row: What’s in the Notification that has everyone up in arms
On 13-1-2026, the University Grants Commission (‘UGC’) notified the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, aimed at eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal opportunity across all higher education institutions.
RESERVE BANK OF INDIA
Foreign Exchange Management (Guarantees) Regulations, 2026 — Key Provisions, Exemptions & Reporting Requirements
On 6-1-2026, the Reserve Bank of India notified the Foreign Exchange Management (Guarantees) Regulations, 2026 to regulate cross- border guarantees by Indian residents. These Regulations are issued in supersession of Foreign Exchange Management (Guarantees) Regulations, 2000.
SECURITIES & EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA
SEBI (Stock Brokers) Regulations, 2026: Key Provisions and Implications
On 7-1-2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) issued a notification implementing the SEBI (Stock Brokers) Regulations, 2026, a framework to govern the registration, obligations, and responsibilities of stock brokers and clearing members in India’s securities market. These Regulations came into effect on 7-1-2026.
Key Highlights of the SEBI (Issue and Listing of Non-Convertible Securities) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026
On 20-1-2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) notified the SEBI (Issue and Listing of Non-Convertible Securities) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, aim to strengthen the corporate debt framework by recognising retail investors and enabling issuers to extend specified pricing incentives.
SEBI Introduces Digital Signature Certificate Integration for Seamless FPI Onboarding
On 8-1-2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India issued a notification facilitating seamless Digital Signature Certificate Functionality for Foreign Portfolio Investors. It is a key step in digiting the Foreign Portfolio Investors (‘FPIs’) on boarding process.
SEBI issued Master Circular on Social Stock Exchange
On 19-1-2026, the Securities Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) issued a Master circular for Framework on Social Stock Exchange (‘SSE’). It is a regulatory framework governing registration, fundraising, disclosures, impact reporting, and governance for Social Enterprises and Not-for-Profit Organisations (‘NPOs’)….
FOREIGN LEGISLATION
No Social Media Below 15: France Passes Landmark Law to Protect Minors from Online Harm
On 26-1-2026, the National Assembly of France adopted the bill aimed at protecting minors from the risks to which they are exposed by the use of social networks. The proposed framework restricts social media use for minors under 15 and establishes firmer controls on the digital environment shaping young lives.
The ‘Mother of All Deals’ Is Here: India and EU Seal Historic Free Trade Agreement
On 27-1-2026, India and the European Union (‘EU’) announced the conclusion of the India—EU Free Trade Agreement (India—EU FTA) at the 16th India—EU Summit. This marks a significant step in India—EU economic relations and trade engagement.