Several important legal and policy developments emerged across sectors in July 2026. Parliament considered and passed significant legislative measures, ministries introduced reforms affecting employment, pensions, healthcare and business operations, while regulators issued compliance-focused updates for market participants and industry stakeholders.
Alongside central legislative and regulatory developments, several States introduced important reforms affecting labour, business regulation, public administration and welfare governance.
HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH
Lok Sabha Approves Anti-Paper Leak Bill; 2-Month Probe, 3-Month Trial Framework
On 29 July 2026, the Lok Sabha passed the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Amendment Bill, 2026, seeking to strengthen the legal framework governing paper leak cases and other examination-related offences. Read more
Rajya Sabha Bill: Vande Mataram to Get the Same Legal Protection as the National Anthem
On 24 July 2026, the Prevention of Insults to National Honour (Amendment) Bill, 2026 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha, extending statutory protection available to the National Anthem to the National Song as well. Read more
BILLS / ORDINANCES
28 Bills Pending as Parliament’s Monsoon Session Begins on 20 July; Supreme Court Judges, Higher Education Reforms Among Key Measures
The Monsoon Session of Parliament 2026 will be held from 20 July to 13 August 2026, during which several key Bills relating to taxation, MSMEs, higher education, foreign contributions and the Supreme Court are scheduled for consideration. Read more
IMPORTANT NOTIFICATIONS
Delhi HC Orders Suspension of DHJS Officer with Immediate Effect
On 10 July 2026, the Delhi High Court placed Vinay Singhal, an officer of the Delhi Higher Judicial Service (DHJS), under suspension with immediate effect in contemplation of disciplinary proceedings. Read more
ASG Archana Pathak Dave Nominated Member of Supreme Court Legal Services Committee
On 23 June 2026, the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) issued a notification nominating Archana Pathak Dave, Additional Solicitor General of India and Senior Advocate, Supreme Court of India, as a Member of the Supreme Court Legal Services Committee (SCLSC). Read more
Have Views on Aravalli Conservation and Mining? SC-Appointed High-Powered Committee Opens 21-Days Public Inputs Ahead of Its 31 August Report
On 21 July 2026, the High-Powered Committee (HPC) constituted by the Supreme Court of India has invited responses from stakeholders and the public on issues concerning the Aravalli Hills and Ranges and related ancillary matters. Read more
₹2 Crore to ₹10 Crore: Delhi High Court Full Court Recommends Enhancing District Courts’ Pecuniary Jurisdiction
On 11 July 2026, the Coordination Committee of All District Courts Bar Associations of Delhi issued a Message of Gratitude thanking members of the District Bar for their collective efforts following the recommendation of the Hon’ble Full Court of the High Court of Delhi to enhance the pecuniary jurisdiction of the District Courts to ₹10 crore. Read more
Delhi HC Puts First and Third Saturday Court Sittings on Hold; Committee to Review Proposal
On 17 July 2026, the Delhi High Court notified the deferment of its earlier decision declaring the first and third Saturdays of every month as court sitting days. Read more
MINISTRY OF PETROLEUM AND NATURAL GAS
Temporary Restrictions on Petrol and Diesel Sales Withdrawn; Normal Distribution Resumes from 1 July
On 29 June 2026, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas (MoPNG) has announced the withdrawal of the temporary restrictions on the sale and distribution of Motor Spirit (Petrol) and High Speed Diesel (HSD) through retail outlets of Public Sector Oil Marketing Companies. Read More
MINISTRY OF CONSUMER AFFAIRS, FOOD AND PUBLIC DISTRIBUTION
Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026: Government Introduces Improvement Notice Mechanism under the Legal Metrology Act, 2009
On 27 April 2026, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution notified the enforcement of those provisions of the Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 relating to the Legal Metrology Act, 2009. Read more
MINISTRY OF LABOUR AND EMPLOYMENT
Employees’ Deposit-Linked Insurance Scheme, 2026: Key Changes in Assurance Benefits, Claim Settlement, and Employer Compliance
On 29 June 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Employment notified the Employees’ Deposit-Linked Insurance Scheme, 2026 (EDLI Scheme) under the Social Security Code, 2020 (Social Security Code). This Scheme modernises the existing deposit- linked insurance scheme by improving the benefit structure, streamlining claim settlement, strengthening employer compliance, and introducing provisions to improve financial security for the families of deceased employees. Read more
Employees’ Pension Scheme, 2026: Key Changes in Pension Benefits, Family Pension, Withdrawal Benefits and Employer Compliance
On 29 June 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Employment notified the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 2026 (EPS 2026) under Section 15(1)(b) of the Social Security Code, 2020 (Social Security Code). The Scheme consolidates and modernises the statutory pension framework under Chapter III of the Code on Social Security while preserving the contributory pension structure administered through the Employees’ Provident Fund Organization (EPFO). Read more
Employers Take Note: Labour Ministry Notifies Contribution Rates Under EPF, EPS and EDLI Schemes, 2026
On 1 July 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Employment issued three notifications specifying the contribution rates under the following schemes:
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Employees’ Provident Funds Scheme, 2026 (EPF Scheme)
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Employees’ Pension Scheme, 2026 (EPS Scheme)
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Employees’ Deposit Linked Insurance Scheme, 2026 (EDLI Scheme)
Centre Notifies Procedure for Determining Core Activities under OSHWC Rules, 2026
On 7 July 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Employment issued an order prescribing the manner and process through which an aggrieved party may apply to the Central Government for a determination of whether an activity of an establishment is a core activity or otherwise. Read more
Fraud Cases Excluded, But Everything Else Is In: EPFO’s VISHWAS 2026 Scheme Lets Employers Settle Pending EPF Damages Disputes at Lower Rates
On 9 July 2026, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) issued a circular announcing the operational rollout of VISHWAS, 2026, a special dispute-settlement mechanism for cases involving damages levied under the Employees’ Provident Funds framework. Read more
MINISTRY OF MICRO, SMALL AND MEDIUM ENTERPRISES
New TReDS Mandate for CPSEs: Key Changes for MSME Payments
On 30 June 2026, the Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) issued a mandate requiring all operational Central Public Sector Enterprises (CPSEs) to use Trade Receivables Discounting System (TReDS) platforms for the settlement of MSME invoices. Read more
MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
New Wage Rates for Unskilled Manual Workers Effective from 1 July 2026
On 30 June 2026, the Ministry of Rural Development notified revised State-wise wage rates for unskilled manual workers under the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin): VB-G RAM G Act, 2025. Read more
MINISTRY OF CHEMICALS AND FERTILIZERS
Drugs (Prices Control) Amendment Order, 2026: Key Changes in Drug Pricing, Price Revision, New Drug Launch and Compliance
On 30 June 2026, the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers (Department of Pharmaceuticals) notified the Drugs (Prices Control) Amendment Order, 2026 under Section 3 of the Essential Commodities Act, 1955. The Amendment modifies the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013 (DPCO, 2013) and the changes mainly relate to drug pricing, launch of new drugs, recovery of overcharged amounts, dissemination of revised prices and maintenance of digital records. Read more
MINISTRY OF FINANCE
Govt. Retains 7.1% Interest Rate on Special Deposit Scheme for Non-Government Provident, Superannuation and Gratuity Funds
On 3 July 2026, the Ministry of Finance (Department of Economic Affairs) notified that deposits made under the Special Deposit Scheme (SDS) for Non-Government Provident, Superannuation and Gratuity Funds will earn interest at 7.1% per annum for the quarter from 1 July 2026 to 30 September 2026. Read more
Government Expands NPS Investment Choices for CAB Employees
On 7 July 2026, the Ministry of Finance announced the extension of additional investment choices under the National Pension System (NPS) to employees of Central Autonomous Bodies (CABs), providing eligible subscribers with greater flexibility in managing their pension investments. Read more
MINISTRY OF HEALTH AND FAMILY WELFARE
Drugs (Ninth Amendment) Rules, 2026: Navi Mumbai Airport Added as Drug Import Port
On 2 July 2026, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified the Drugs (Ninth Amendment) Rules, 2026, under which Navi Mumbai Airport, Maharashtra, has been included in the list of airports through which drugs may be imported into India. Read more
MINISTRY OF CORPORATE AFFAIRS
Companies Get More Time for Statutory Filings as MCA Extends CCFS-2026
On 8 July 2026, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) announced the extension of the Companies Compliance Facilitation Scheme, 2026 (CCFS-2026) till 31 August 2026, providing companies additional time to complete pending statutory filings. Read more
ICSI Urges MCA to Mandate Company Secretaries in Companies with ₹50 Crore Borrowings
On 16 July 2026, the Institute of Company Secretaries of India (ICSI) submitted a representation to the Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) seeking amendment of Rule 8A of the Companies (Appointment and Remuneration of Managerial Personnel) Rules, 2014. Read more
MINISTRY OF COMMERCE AND INDUSTRY
Mandatory e-KYC for IP Attorneys: IP India Directs Compliance Within One Month
On 9 July 2026, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a public notice making electronic Know Your Customer (e-KYC) compliance mandatory for all Intellectual Property (IP) Attorneys practising before the Intellectual Property Office and accessing the online portals of the IP India website. Read more
MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS AND SPORTS
India’s Anti-Doping Law Is Finally Operational: National Anti-Doping Act, 2022 Comes into Force on 15 July 2026; Amendment Act Follows the Next Day
On 15 July 2026, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports notified 15 July 2026 as the date on which the provisions of the National Anti-Doping Act, 2022 came into force. Read more
MINISTRY OF MINORITY AFFAIRS
Centre Nominates New Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Member to National Commission for Minorities
On 16 July 2026, the Ministry of Minority Affairs notified the nomination of a new Chairperson, Vice-Chairperson and Member to the National Commission for Minorities (NCM). Read more
MINISTRY OF PORTS, SHIPPING AND WATERWAYS
Central Government announces new Merchant Shipping Rules, 2026: Prescribes Revised Limits for Maritime Claims
On 7 July 2026, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways notified the Merchant Shipping (Limitation of Liability for Maritime Claims) Rules, 2026, prescribing revised limits of liability for maritime claims, including claims arising from loss of life, personal injury and passenger-related incidents. Read more
MINISTRY OF SOCIAL JUSTICE AND EMPOWERMENT
More Convictions, Fewer Arrests: What Five Years of NCRB Data Show on SC/ST Atrocities
On 30 July 2026, the Ministry of Social Justice and Empowerment tabled in the Rajya Sabha five-year NCRB data on crimes against Scheduled Castes registered under the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, 1989. Read more
CENTRAL DRUGS STANDARD CONTROL ORGANISATION
CDSCO Examines Risks of Brand Name Extensions Across Different Drug Formulations
On 6 July 2026, the Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) invited feedback and suggestions from stakeholders on the use of brand name extensions by pharmaceutical firms, signalling the regulator’s intent to examine concerns surrounding the practice and its potential implications for patient safety and the rational use of medicines. Read more
CENTRAL BOARD OF DIRECT TAXES (CBDT)
CBDT Expands Scope of ‘Specified Fund’ to Cover SEBI and IFSCA-Regulated Funds
On 21 July 2026, the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) notified the Income-tax (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026. The amendment revises the definition of ‘specified fund’ for the purposes of the Rules. Read more
TELECOM REGULATORY AUTHORITY OF INDIA (TRAI)
1600 for Trusted Calls, 140 for Promotions: TRAI Clears the Air on Designated Number Series
On 10 July 2026, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) issued a clarification regarding the functioning of the designated 1600 and 140 number series, noting that certain media reports could lead to misinformation or misinterpretation of their operation. Read more
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA (SEBI)
SEBI Amends LODR Regulations; Listed Entities to Now Follow SEBI-Specified Transfer and Transmission Procedures
On 10 July 2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) notified the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026, introducing changes relating to the transfer and transmission of securities by listed entities. Read more
BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA (BCI)
BCI to Constitute Committees, Establish National Legal Academy Following SC Directions
On 8 July 2026, the Bar Council of India (BCI) announced a series of measures to implement the Supreme Court’s judgment in Ajay Vijh v. Indian Banks Association, while welcoming the ruling as a reaffirmation of the independence and institutional role of the legal profession. Read more
Law Colleges Get Final Chance to Retain BCI Approval; Deadline Ends 31 July
On 13 July 2026, the Bar Council of India (BCI) issued a circular granting a final opportunity to existing Centres of Legal Education (CLEs) to submit and complete applications for extension or renewal of approval for existing law courses, sections and sanctioned intake on or before 31 July 2026. Read more
Promotional Reels, Client Testimonials, Legal Influencers: BCI Issues Digital Conduct Rules for Legal Community
On 17 July 2026, the Bar Council of India (BCI) circulated a framework governing the use of social media by advocates, law students and interns, addressing issues such as reels and videos from court premises, misuse of professional identity, legal misinformation, confidentiality breaches, AI-generated content, deepfakes and digital solicitation. Read more
BCI Declares AIBE XXI Result; 65.92% Candidates Qualify, AIBE XXII Scheduled for 29 November
On 18 July 2026, the Bar Council of India (BCI) announced the result of the All India Bar Examination XXI (AIBE XXI), which was conducted on 7 June 2026. Read more
BCI Releases Draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2026; Invites Suggestions Till 31 July
On 18 July 2026, the Bar Council of India (BCI) published the draft Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2026 for public consultation, describing it as a comprehensive profession-first reform of the Advocates Act, 1961. Read more
BCI Calls on Intellectuals to Safeguard National Unity, Alleges Attempts to Exploit Student Protests
On 23 July 2026, Bar Council of India (BCI) Chairman and Senior Advocate Manan Kumar Mishra issued a press release titled ‘An Appeal to the Intellectuals of the Country’. Addressed to lawyers, teachers, professors, doctors, engineers, journalists, entrepreneurs, social workers, students and other citizens, the appeal urged vigilance against what it described as attempts by ‘anti-social’ and ‘anti-national’ elements to incite unrest and undermine the country’s progress. Read more
BCI Directs Universities to Inspect All Law Colleges Within Six Weeks; Warns Against Weekend and Evening Law Courses
On 23 July 2026, the Bar Council of India (BCI) issued directions to Vice-Chancellors, Registrars, Deans and Heads of Law Faculties across the country, requiring immediate physical inspection of all constituent and affiliated Centres of Legal Education. Read more
FOREIGN LEGISLATION
Green Card Applicants Take Note: US Rescinds 2022 Public Charge Rule; USCIS to Evaluate All Public Benefits on Case-by-Case Basis from 18 September 2026
On 16 July 2026, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) announced a final rule rescinding the 2022 public charge regulation, stating that the change aligns public charge determinations more closely with the Immigration and Nationality Act (INA), under which an individual may be found inadmissible if they are likely to become a public charge. Read more
STATE LEGISLATION
No More Paperwork: Maharashtra enables online registration of partnership firms
On 20 July 2026, the Maharashtra Government notified the Indian Partnership (Maharashtra Amendment) Act, 2026, amending the Indian Partnership Act, 1932 in its application to the State of Maharashtra. Read more
Bihar Notifies Code on Wages (Bihar) Rules, 2026; Replaces Decades-Old Wage Rules
On 30 June 2026, the Bihar Government notified the Code on Wages (Bihar) Rules, 2026, laying down the framework for minimum wages, wage payments, working hours, claims, appeals and compliance under the Code on Wages, 2019. Read more
Family Court Counsellors in Puducherry to Receive ₹1,000 Per Day as Sitting Fee
On 25 June 2026, the Lieutenant-Governor of Puducherry notified the Family Courts (Puducherry) (Amendment) Rules, 2026, enhancing the sitting fees payable to Counsellors attached to the Family Court, Puducherry. Read more
Maharashtra Notifies Child Labour Reforms; Child Artist Safeguards, Rehabilitation Fund and Task Forces Introduced
On 23 June 2026, the Government of Maharashtra notified the Maharashtra Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) (Amendment) Rules, 2025. These rules enhance the existing regulatory regime by laying down comprehensive provisions pertaining to prevention of child labour, regulation of permitted activities of children, safety of adolescents at work, inspection and supervision, rescue and rehabilitation of children/adolescents, functioning of the Child and Adolescent Labour Rehabilitation Fund, and enhanced compliance obligations for employers and other stakeholders. Read more
VB-GRAM G Scheme, 2026: Goa Introduces 125-Day Rural Employment Framework with Digital Monitoring and Worker Safeguards
On 29 June 2026, the Government of Goa notified the Viksit Bharat — Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) VB — GRAM G (Goa) Scheme, 2026 under the VB — GRAM G Act, 2025. Read more
Maharashtra extends Ban on Gutkha, Pan Masala and Similar Products for Another Year
On 13 July 2026, the Commissioner of Food Safety, Maharashtra, issued an order prohibiting the manufacture, storage, distribution, transport and sale of gutkha, pan masala, flavoured or scented tobacco, flavoured or scented areca nut (supari), chewing tobacco with additives, kharra, mawa and similar products throughout Maharashtra in the interest of public health. Read more
Maharashtra Stamp Amendment Revises Stamp Duty Structure for Guarantee Instruments
On 22 July 2026, the Maharashtra Government notified the Maharashtra Stamp (Fourth Amendment) Act, 2026, prescribing specific stamp duty rates for financial guarantees, bank guarantees and letters of guarantee. Read more