As we wrap up February 2026, it’s essential to highlight the significant legislative developments that have emerged this month. This Legislation Roundup February 2026 covers highlights of the Union Budget, new Customs Baggage Regulations, Draft Income-tax Rules 2026, Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2026, Labour Ministry Redefining ‘Worker’ Category, Renaming of “Kerala”.
HIGHLIGHTS OF THE MONTH:
Union Budget 2026-27 Highlights | Key Announcements, Tax Reforms & Strategic Sector Push
On 1-2-2026, the Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman presented the Union Budget 2026- 2027 in Parliament. The Union Budget 2026-2027 lays emphasis on Scaling up manufacturing in 7 strategic frontier sectors.
Also Read: Union Budget 2026-2027: Read Expert Insights on Macroeconomy, Taxation, Trade Policy and more
Union Budget 2026-27: Expert Views on Tax, Law, Infrastructure & Industry Reforms
KEY BILLS, ORDINANCES, AND DRAFTS- FEBRUARY 2026:
36 Private Members Bills Tabled in Rajya Sabha: Airline Passenger Rights, Virtual Courts, AI in Healthcare & More
On 6-2-2026, 36 Private Member Bills were introduced in Rajya Sabha, including both amendment Bills of existing Acts and new Bills introducing new Acts, which can bring major changes in legislative structure of India
Draft Income-tax Rules 2026: Key Changes, Higher Allowances & Simplified Compliance Framework
Recently, the Central Board of Direct Taxes published the Draft Income-tax Rules, 2026 to repeal the almost 6 decades old Income-tax Rules, 1962. The provisions will come into effect on 1-4-2026.
Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2026 Proposes Judicial Diversity, Reservation in Promotion, SC Regional Benches & Caste Census Reform
On 6 February 2026, DMK Rajya Sabha MP and Senior Advocate P. Wilson introduced the Constitution (Amendment) Bill, 2026, proposing far-reaching constitutional reforms aimed at judicial diversity, reservation in promotions for backward classes, restructuring of the Supreme Court into regional benches, enhancement of the retirement age of High Court judges, and enabling caste-based census by States. The Bill seeks to embed social justice and representation more deeply into India’s constitutional framework.
CABINET DECISIONS:
Union Cabinet approves renaming of “Kerala” to “Keralam”
On 24-2-2026, the Union Cabinet has approved the proposal for alteration of name of State of ‘Kerala’ as ‘Keralam’. Under the provisions of Article 3 of the Constitution, the Government of Kerala requested the Central Government to initiate the process of amending the First Schedule to the Constitution to reflect this change.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations 2026: Key Rules Explained
On 1-2-2026, the Ministry of Finance notified the Customs Baggage (Declaration and Processing) Regulations, 2026 in supersession of the Passenger’s Baggage (Levy of Fees) Regulations, 1966, the Baggage (Transit to Customs Stations) Regulations, 1967 and the Customs Baggage Declaration Regulations, 2013. The provisions came into effect on 2-2-2026.
Baggage Rules 2026: Key Provisions, Allowances & Duty-Free Limits Explained
On 1-2-2026, the Ministry of Finance notified the Baggage Rules, 2026 in supersession of the Baggage Rules, 2016. The updated framework aims to simplify passenger clearances while ensuring compliance with customs regulations. Key provisions of the new Rules cover duty-free limits, re-import and temporary import of personal items, jewellery allowances, transfer-of-residence benefits, rules for unaccompanied baggage, currency regulations, pet imports, and prohibited items. The provisions came into force on 2-2-2026.
MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE
Repealing Provisions Revised Under the Industrial Relations Code
On 16-2-2026, the President assented the Industrial Relations Code (Amendment) Act, 2026, modifying the repealing provisions of Industrial Relations Code, 2020. This Amendment will be in retrospective effect from 21-11-2025.
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 HOME AFFAIRS
MHA directs new protocols on singing Vande Mataram: All six stanzas must be sung
On 28-1-2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (‘MHA’) issued a detailed order outlining the official protocols for singing and playing India’s National Song, “Vande Mataram.” These guidelines direct how National Song should be sung or played at official and public events, ensuring uniformity, decorum, and respect across the country.
MINISTRY OF MINES
Offshore Areas Mineral (Prevention of Illegal Mining and Transportation) Rules, 2026 — Key Highlights
On 3-2-2026, the Ministry of Mines notified the Offshore Areas Mineral (Prevention of Illegal Mining and Transportation) Rules, 2026 to curb illegal offshore mining and mineral transportation. The provisions came into force on 3-2-2026.
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
New Rule Requires E-commerce Platforms to Clearly Display Country of Origin for Imported Products
On 13-2-2026, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution notified the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules, 2026, with the aim of enhancing transparency for consumers purchasing goods on e-commerce platforms. This amended provision will come into force on 1-7-2026.
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
Key Highlights of the Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules 2026
On 17-2-2026, the Ministry of Civil Aviation notified the Aircraft (Carriage of Dangerous Goods) Rules, 2026 to outline certification requirements, restrictions on explosives and radioactive materials, emergency exemptions, packaging standards, operator responsibilities, and Director General of Civil Aviation’s regulatory powers. The provisions came into force on 17-2-2026.
MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
IT Amendment Rules 2026: AI & Intermediary Compliance
On 10-2-2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2026 to amend the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021. The provisions will come into effect on 20-2-2026.
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Labour Ministry Redefines ‘Worker’ Category with ₹18,000 Wage ceiling for Supervisors
On 30-1-2026, the Ministry of Labour and Employment notified that the wage ceiling for a person employed in a supervisory capacity will be ₹18,000 per month.
DIRECTOR GENERAL OF CIVIL AVIATION
DGCA notifies new airline ticket refund rules; faster refunds and 48-hour cancellation window introduced
On 24-2-2026, the Director General of Civil Aviation issued a Civil Aviation Requirements regarding refund of airline tickets to passengers of Public Transport Undertakings. These requirements will be effective from 26-3-2026.
DEPARTMENT FOR PROMOTION OF INDUSTRY AND INTERNAL TRADE
DPIIT Proposes Amendments to the Designs Act, 2000: Key Reforms
In January 22026, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (‘DPIIT’) notified a concept note proposing amendments to the Designs Act, 2000. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (‘WIPO’) World Intellectual Property Indicators Report of 2025, an estimated 1.22 million design applications were filed worldwide in the year 2024.
INSTITUTE OF CHARTERED ACCOUNTANTS OF INDIA
Highlights of ICAI’s 2025 Guidelines
On 11-2-2026, the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India (‘ICAI’) notified ICAI (Global Networking) Guidelines, 2025, aimed at promoting networking among Chartered Accountants (‘CA’) firms, ICAI registered networks, and other entities in India and abroad, including overseas affiliations.
CENTRAL CONSUMER PROTECTION AUTHORITY
CCPA Issues Notices to Six E-Commerce Platforms for Listing Restricted Drone & GPS Jammers in Violation of Consumer Protection Laws
On 20-2-2026, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (‘CCPA’) issued a notice to six e-commerce platforms for listing and selling restricted wireless transmitting devices in violation of consumer protection and telecom laws.
RESERVE BANK OF INDIA
Highlights of RBI’s Statement on Development and Regulatory Policies
On 6-2-2026, the Reserve Bank of India (‘RBI’) circulated a Statement on Development and Regulatory Policies, announcing major regulatory, payments, financial inclusion, and market-related reforms.
STATE LEGISLATION:
Karnataka Notifies Gig Workers’ Welfare Fee Under Social Security Framework
On 16-2-2026, the Government of Karnataka issued a notification regarding the mandatory collection of the Gig Workers’ Welfare Fee. This notification sets out a structured mechanism through which platforms and aggregators are required to contribute towards the social security and welfare of gig and platform workers across the state.
Parent-Led & Disability-Inclusive: Delhi Amends RTE Rules to Modify School Management Committees Structure
On 4-2-2026, the Delhi Government notified the Delhi Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education (Amendment) Rules, 2025. The Rules came into effect on 6-2-2026.
Gujarat’s Marriage Registration Amendment Bill: What the Bill Proposes
On 19-2-2026, the Gujarat Registration of Marriages (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Gujarat Legislative Assembly, proposing structural changes to the marriage registration process, including revised procedures for filing the memorandum of marriage, late submissions, and the issuance of certificates.
Digital Compliance & Stricter Penalties: Inside Haryana Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Act, 2025
On 5-2-2026, the Government of Haryana notified the Haryana Shops and Commercial Establishments (Amendment) Act, 2025, aiming modernizing regulation through digital processes and stricter compliance requirements. These provisions are deemed to be in effect from 12-11-2025.