As we wrap up April 2026, it’s essential to highlight the significant legislative developments that have emerged this month. This Legislation Roundup April 2026 covers the increase in DA/DR for Central Government Employees and Pensioners, Changes in ITR Forms for AY 2026-27, Rules for preventing hazards on the ground due to Aircrafts, amendment in IBC, updates on decriminalization of minor offences & rationalized penalties, enforcement of Online Gaming Law.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH:
Govt. Revises Variable Dearness Allowance Rates, Effective 1 April 2026
On 30 March 2026, the Ministry of Labour & Employment issued a series of orders revising the Variable Dearness Allowance (VDA) for multiple scheduled employments. The revised VDA rates came into force with effect from 1 April 2026.
Also Read: Cabinet Approves Additional 2% DA/DR for Central Government Employees and Pensioners
KEY STATUTES, BILLS, ORDINANCES, AND DRAFTS- APRIL 2026
Strengthening Corporate Governance and Compliance: Highlights of the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026
On 23 March 2026, the Corporate Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was introduced in Lok Sabha to revise the corporate laws, with the objective of improving regulatory efficiency, ease of doing business, and compliance culture.
Uniform Rules, Clear Command: Rajya Sabha clears Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026
On 1 April 2026, the Central Armed Police Forces (General Administration) Bill, 2026, was passed by the Rajya Sabha, establishing a comprehensive legal framework to regulate the recruitment and service conditions of senior officers serving in India’s Central Armed Police Forces (CAPFs).
Delimitation Bill, 2026: Redrawing Constituencies and Advancing Women’s Representation
On 16 April 2026, the Delimitation Bill, 2026 was introduced in Lok Sabha with the objective of redefining electoral representation in India in accordance with contemporary demographic realities and recent constitutional amendments.
131st Constitutional Amendment: Linking Delimitation with Women’s Reservation
On 16 April 2026, during a special parliamentary session, the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirty First Amendment) Bill, 2026, was introduced in the Lok Sabha, marking a significant step towards enabling fresh delimitation and operationalising women’s reservation in legislatures.
Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026: Changes to Delimitation, Representation and Women’s Reservation in UT Legislatures
On 16 April 2026, the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was introduced in Lok Sabha proposing to amend the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, the Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi Act, 1991, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganization Act, 2019.
Special Session and Constitutional Limits: Why the Lok Sabha Bills Did Not Pass
During the special session of the Lok Sabha held from 16 to 18 April 2026, the House considered a set of three interlinked legislative proposals introduced by the Government as part of a broader effort to operationalise women’s reservation in legislatures.
Draft Maharashtra Industrial Relations Rules, 2026: Key Highlights, Aims & Major Changes
On 28 April 2026, the Industries, Energy, Labour and Mining Department issued Draft Maharashtra Industrial Relations Rules, 2026, to modernize industrial relations administration, promote industrial peace, protect workers’ rights, and support ease of doing business in Maharashtra through balanced, transparent, and efficient regulatory mechanisms.
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
Income-tax Amendment Rules 2026: Key Changes in ITR Forms for AY 2026-27
On 30-3-2026, the Ministry of Finance notified several amendments to amend the Income-tax Rules, 1962. These amendments mainly focus on amendments in Forms laid down in Appendix of the Income-tax Rules, 1962.
MINISTRY OF CIVIL AVIATION
Preventing Hazards on the Ground: Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions caused by Buildings and Trees etc.) Rules, 2026 Explained
On 31 March 2026, the Ministry of Civil Aviation notified the Aircraft (Demolition of Obstructions caused by Buildings and Trees etc.) Rules, 2026, introducing a framework which defines responsibilities, procedures, and enforcement mechanisms related to buildings, structures, and trees that pose potential hazards to aircraft operations near aerodromes.
MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Amendment Rules, 2026: DIR-3 KYC Filing Timeline & Revised Fees Explained
On 21 April 2026, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs notified the Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Amendment Rules, 2026 to amend the Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014. The provisions came into force on 21 April 2026.
MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE
From Withdrawal to Creditor Control: Key Shifts under the IBC Amendment Act, 2026
On 6 April 2026, the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (Amendment) Act, 2026 received Presidential assent, with the objective of strengthening the credibility, speed, and predictability of the insolvency framework, while carefully balancing the interests of creditors, corporate debtors, and other stakeholders.
Delhi Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026: Decriminalization of Minor Offences & Rationalized Penalties
On 16-4-2026, the Department of Law, Justice and Legislative Affairs notified the Delhi Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 to amend certain laws in its application to the National Capital Territory of Delhi, to decriminalize minor offences and rationalize punishments to promote trust-based governance for enhancing ease of living and doing business. The provisions came into force on 16-4-2026.
Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026: Decriminalization & Penalty Reforms
On 8-4-2026, the Ministry of Law and Justice issued the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 to amend certain enactments for decriminalizing and rationalizing offences to further enhance trust-based governance for ease of living and doing business.
MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY
Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026: Key Highlights and Provisions Explained
On 22 April 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology notified the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Rules, 2026 to create a safe, transparent, and growth-oriented framework for the online gaming sector. The provisions will come into force on 1-5-2026.
India’s Online Gaming Law Now Enforceable: What Changes from May 2026
On 22 April 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology announced the enforcement of the Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Act, 2025, bringing the statute into effect from 1 May 2026.
MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST & CLIMATE CHANGE
How the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023 Is Driving Growth in Biodiversity-Linked IPR Filings
On 1 April 2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change reported a significant increase in Intellectual Property Rights (IPR) applications linked to India’s biological resources, reflecting the positive impact of the regulatory reforms introduced under the Biological Diversity (Amendment) Act, 2023.
MINISTRY OF HEALTH & FAMILY WELFARE
NMHP and Maternal Mental Health: Improving Access to Care for Postpartum Mother
Recognising the growing need for accessible and comprehensive mental healthcare, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare implemented the National Mental Health Programme (NMHP), which also includes targeted support for postpartum mothers.
MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS
Heavier Loads, Higher Costs: Key Changes under Fourth Amendment to National Highways Fee Rules
On 13 April 2026, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) notified the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2026, revising the framework governing overloading fees on National Highways. These Rules came into effect on 15 April 2026.
MINISTRY OF PERSONNEL, PUBLIC GRIEVANCES & PENSIONS
All India Services (Implementation of National Pension System) Rules, 2026: Key Provisions & Applicability Explained
On 22 April 2026, the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions notified the All India Services (Implementation of National Pension System) Rules, 2026 to regulate the method of implementation of the National Pension System.
BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA
Can Office-Bearers Contest Bar Council Elections? Inside the BCI Amended Election Rules Approved by the Supreme Court
On 21 April 2026, the Bar Council of India (BCI) circulated the amendment to the BCI Uniform Rules (and Guidelines) for the elections of Bar Councils, 2016, allowing office-bearers of Bar Associations to contest elections to the State Bar Councils.
NATIONAL COMPANY LAW TRIBUNAL
NCLT Targets Case Backlog with Single-Judge Benches—What Changes Now
On 27 April 2026, the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) issued an order authorising Single Judicial Member Benches to hear and dispose of specified classes of matters under the Companies Act, 2013 and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016 (IBC).
PETROLEUM & NATURAL GAS REGULATORY BOARD
PNGRB (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2025 — Consumer Rights & Grievance Redressal
On 19-3-2026, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board notified the Petroleum and Natural Gas Regulatory Board (Consumer Protection) Regulations, 2025. The provisions came into force on 24-3-2026.
UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION
UGC Declares Rajeev Gandhi Institute of Technology & Management’s Degrees Invalid
On 17 March 2026, the University Grants Commission (UGC) issued a public warning against Rajeev Gandhi Institute of Technology & Management, District Alwar, Rajasthan.
CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECT TAXES
CBDT Notifies GAAR Clarifications Under Income-tax (Amendment) Rules, 2026
On 31 March 2026, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) has notified the Income-tax (Amendment) Rules, 2026, introducing revisions to the General Anti-Avoidance Rule (GAAR) framework.
CENTRAL CONSUMER PROTECTION AUTHORITY
CCPA Advisory: No Separate LPG and Fuel Charges on Restaurant Bills
In a move aimed at curbing unfair trade practices in the hospitality sector, the Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued an advisory prohibiting hotels and restaurants from levying LPG charges, fuel surcharges, or similar costs separately from the menu price.
RESERVE BANK OF INDIA
RBI Monetary Policy April 2026: Repo Rate Unchanged Amid Global Uncertainty
On 8 April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (‘RBI’) released its Monetary Policy Statement for 2026-27 following the 60th meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (‘MPC’) held from April 6 to 8, 2026, under the chairmanship of Mr. Sanjay Malhotra, Governor, RBI.
RBI Guidelines on Faster Processing of Cross-Border Inward Payments
On 9 April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued guidelines to facilitate faster cross-border inward payments, in line with its Payments Vision 2025 and the G20 roadmap for cross-border payments. These directions will come into effect six months from the date of the circular, i.e., 9 October 2026.
RBI Notifies Digital Payments — E-mandate Framework, 2026
On 21 April 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) notified the Digital Payments — E-mandate Framework, 2026, consolidating all existing circulars on e-mandates for recurring digital transactions.
ELECTION COMMISSION OF INDIA
Elections 2026: ECI Calls for Responsible Use of Social Media and AI Tools
On 19 April 2026, the Election Commission of India (ECI) has circulated instructions reiterating that all stakeholders must ensure responsible and ethical use of social media and digital platforms during the ongoing General Elections and bye-elections.
STATE LEGISLATION
Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Scheme Rules: Rs. 1 Lakh Promised for the Girl Child
On 30 March 2026, the Delhi Government notified the Delhi Lakhpati Bitiya Scheme Rules, aiming to strengthen the social, educational, and financial security of girl children. The scheme came into effect on 1 April 2026, while deposits linked to the education of girl children will be implemented from the academic session 2026—27.
Haryana Government Grants Exemptions from Fixed Working Hours under the Shops and Establishments Act
On 30 March 2026, the Haryana Government issued a notification granting enhanced operational flexibility to shops and establishments across the State of Haryana.
Amaravati Declared Capital under Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026
On 6 April 2026, Parliament passed the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2026, which aims to clarify Andhra Pradesh’s capital status and to ensure administrative stability. The Act is deemed to have come into force with effect from 2 June 2024.
Punjab Professional Tax Registration SOP with 14-Day Deemed Approval Timeline
On 13 March 2026, the Government of Punjab issued a notification to formulate Standard Operation Procedure and Timeline for processing of Approval to be issued for “Registration of Professional Tax for Individual (Fresh)” and “Registration of Professional Tax for Organization (Fresh)” on Punjab State Development Tax Portal.
Maharashtra Stamp (Amendment) Act, 2026: Key Changes to Section 52-A on Allowance for Duty
On 7-4-2026, the Maharashtra Government notified the Maharashtra Stamp (Amendment) Act, 2026 to amend the Maharashtra Stamp Act. The provisions came into effect on 7-4-2026.
Uttar Pradesh Revises Minimum Wages Following Industrial Unrest in Noida: Effective April 2026
On 17April 2026, the Government of Uttar Pradesh notified the revised Minimum Wages for workers employed in scheduled employments across the state.
No Professional Tax Payable in Odisha from 1 April 2026
On 21 April 2026, the Government of Odisha notified the Odisha State Tax on Professions, Trades, Callings and Employment (Repeal) Ordinance, 2026, repealing the levy of Professional Tax in the State.
Punjab Govt’s 2026 Amendment on Sacrilege: Objectives, Mechanisms, and Implications
On 20 April 2026, the Punjab Government notified the Jaagat Jot Sri Guru Granth Sahib Satkar (Amendment) Act, 2026, modifying the framework governing the protection and sanctity of Sri Guru Granth Sahib Ji and punish acts of sacrilege.
