As we wrap up March 2026, it’s essential to highlight the significant legislative developments that have emerged this month. This Legislation Roundup March 2026 covers the changes made in Income-tax Rules, 1962, updates on latest LPG, introduction of Premium Speed Post, and mandatory compliance with POSH Act across legal bodies.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH:
Income Tax (Amendment) Rules, 2026: Key Changes to Rules 114-F, 114-G and 114-H
On 5 March 2026, the Ministry of Finance notified the Income Tax (Amendment) Rules, 2026, aimed at modernising tax information exchange, expanding the tax reporting net to cover central bank digital currencies (CBDCs), specified electronic-money products, and crypto-assets, and strengthening due-diligence and reporting obligations for financial institutions.
KEY STATUTES, BILLS, ORDINANCES, AND DRAFTS- MARCH 2026
Bill introduced in Lok Sabha to revise the definition of “transgender person”
On 13-3-2026, 2 amendment bills were introduced in Lok Sabha aiming to transform the existing law relating to Protection of Rights of Transgender Persons and another one to authorize payments and appropriation of certain further sums from and out of the Consolidated Fund of India for the services of the financial year 2025- 2026.
From Parent Care Leave to Free Education: 13 New Bills Introduced in Rajya Sabha
On 13-3-2026, 13 Bills were introduced in Rajya Sabha that might become Act. This article lists the bills that will form new acts in 2026. This initiative will bring major changes in the legislative structure of India.
From Land Acquisition to Education Reform: Amendment Bills introduced in Rajya Sabha during the Budget Session of 2026
On 13 March 2026, several Private Members’ Bills were introduced in the Rajya Sabha during the Budget Session.
Draft Drugs (Amendment) Rules, 2026: Aligning Blood Product Testing with International Standards
On 9 March 2026, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare issued the draft of the Drugs (Amendment) Rules, 2026, for public consultation.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
Petrol and Diesel Export Tax Benefits Revised: What Remains and What Has Been Withdrawn
On 26 March 2026, the Ministry of Finance notified the Central Excise (Amendment) Rules, 2026, revising the scope of export incentives under the Central Excise Rules, 2017 and safeguarding strategic and diplomatic exports undertaken by Public Sector Oil Companies (PSUs).
MINISTRY OF COMMUNICATIONS
Premium Speed Post announced: India Post introduces 24/48-hour services
On 13-3-2026, the Ministry of Communications notified the Post Office (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026 to amend the Post Office Regulations, 2024 introducing the concepts of “Premium Speed Post Document” and “24 Speed Post Parcel”. The provisions will come into force from 17-3-2026.
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS
Govt updates Hit and Run Victim Compensation Scheme to Simplify Claims
On 2-3-2026, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) notified the Compensation to Victims of Hit and Run Motor Accidents (Amendment) Scheme, 2026 revising the scheme to a more structured, transparent, and aligned with emerging digital and administrative requirements.
MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Companies Compliance Facilitation Scheme 2026: Key Features, Benefits & Fees Explained
On 24 February 2026, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs issued the Companies Compliance Facilitation Scheme, 2026 to give one- time opportunity to allow defaulting companies to file their documents related to Annual Return and Financial Statements by reducing heavy burden of additional fees. This Scheme will be come into force on 15 April 2026 and will remain in force till 15 July 2026.
MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS
Centre Directs Oil Companies to Sell 20% Ethanol Blended Petrol
On 17 February 2026, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) notified a significant update on the sale of Ethanol Blended Motor Spirit.
The Ministry has directed the oil companies to sell Ethanol Blended Motor Spirit with ethanol content up to 20 percent (E20), in accordance with Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) specifications and with a minimum Research Octane Number (RON) of 95, across all States and Union Territories.
Petroleum Ministry Orders Refineries to Boost LPG Production; Prioritising Domestic Use
On 9 March 2026, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has directed oil refineries to increase Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) production and instructed them to ensure that all the additional output will be diverted exclusively for domestic household use.
India Notifies Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026 Amid Middle East Conflict
On 9 March 2026, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has notified the Natural Gas (Supply Regulation) Order, 2026. Due to the shifting geopolitical situation and the ongoing conflict across major parts of the Middle East, liquefied natural gas (LNG) shipments have been severely disrupted.
LPG Amendment Order 2026: PNG Users Barred from Domestic LPG Connections
On 14-3-2026, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas notified the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Amendment Order, 2026 to amend the Liquefied Petroleum Gas (Regulation of Supply and Distribution) Order, 2000. This order came into effect from 14-3-2026.
New Govt Order Mandates Households to Adopt PNG in Connected Areas; LPG Supply May Stop After 3 Months
On 24 March 2026, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas has issued a new order mandating households to switch to PNG in areas where piped natural gas connectivity already exists, with LPG supply liable to cease after three months if the switch is not undertaken. The Natural Gas and Petroleum Products Distribution (Through Laying, Building, Operation and Expansion of Pipelines and Other Facilities) Order, 2026, aims to facilitate expansion and regulation of gas pipeline infrastructure.
LPG Booking Period is Still 25 Days, Not 35; Govt Calls Viral Claims ‘Misleading’
On 25 March 2026, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas issued a clarification addressing misleading information circulating regarding alleged changes in LPG refill booking timelines for consumers across the country.
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
Your Rights as a Flyer: What the New DGCA Directions Mean for You
On 18 March 2026, the Ministry of Civil Aviation announced the directions through the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) aimed at strengthening convenience, transparency, and uniformity across India’s aviation sector.
FOOD SAFETY & STANDARDS AUTHORITY OF INDIA
FSSAI Licensing & Registration Amendment Regulations, 2026 — Key Changes Explained
On 10-3-2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India notified the Food Safety and Standards (Licensing and Registration of Food Businesses) Amendment Regulations, 2026. The provisions came into force on 11-3-2026.
BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA
POSH Act Compliance Now Mandatory Across Legal Bodies: BCI Rolls Out Workplace Safety Guidelines
Recently, the Bar Council of India issued POSH Compliance Guidelines to ensure compliance of Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act, 2013 and promote safe working environment for the members.
AIBE XXI Announced: BCI Notifies Syllabus and Examination Schedule
On 2 March 2026, the Bar Council of India (‘BCI’) notified the syllabus for All India Bar Exam XXI (‘AIBE XXI’), which is decided to be held on 7 June 2026. This notification follows the earlier announcement dated 10 February 2026, wherein BCI released the complete examination schedule for AIBE XXI.
BCI Withdraws Three-Year Moratorium: Revives Inspection-Based Approval of Law Colleges
On 5 March 2026, the Bar Council of India (‘BCI’) announced the withdrawal of three-year moratorium on law colleges and a resolution-based processing mechanism for approving and regulating Centres of Legal Education (CLEs).
DIRECTORATE GENERAL OF FOREIGN TRADE
DGFT Grants Automatic Extension of Export Obligation Period till 31 August 2026
On 6 March 2026, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) issued a public notice extending the Export Obligation (EO) period of specified Advance & EPCG Authorisations.
EMPLOYEES’ PROVIDENT FUND ORGANISATION
EPFO Clarification on PAN Linking to Establishment Profile & Manual Verification for Name Mismatch
On 16-3-2026, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization issued a Clarification regarding Linking PAN to the Establishment Profile and introduction of new functionality for manual verification of PAN in cases of minor mismatch in Establishment Name between Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (‘EPFO’) records and PAN database.
CONTROLLER GENERAL OF PATENTS, DESIGNS & TRADE MARKS
What’s New in Trademark Law: CGPDTM Publishes 13 New Well Known Trademarks
On 2 March 2026, the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks (CGPDTM) published the list of newly recognised well known trademarks in the Trade Marks Journal.
FOREIGN LEGISLATION
Punjab Government (Pakistan) Issues Stamp Duty Exemption Notification on Corporate Mergers in Pakistan
On 21 January 2026, the Government of the Punjab, Pakistan, issued a notification remitting stamp duty on mergers approved under the Companies Act, 2017, thereby supporting lawful corporate restructuring and resolving the long-standing provincial inconsistency.
