As we wrap up October 2026, it is important to take stock of the key legal, regulatory, judicial and economic developments that shaped the month. The Legislation Roundup October 2026 highlights significant updates, including the RBI’s repo rate hike to 5.50% and shift to a calibrated tightening stance, the retention of the 7.1% interest rate under the Special Deposit Scheme, the Cabinet-approved 3% increase in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief, and SEBI’s notification of the Settlement of Administrative and Civil Proceedings Regulations, 2026, which introduces a new framework for resolving regulatory proceedings under securities laws.
The month also witnessed important developments in the Digital Personal Data Protection regime, GST, social security and pension laws, financial market regulation, transport and shipping governance, road safety measures, healthcare standards and food safety regulation, alongside notable judicial and administrative updates from the Supreme Court and various State Governments.
The following are the significant legislative, regulatory and judicial developments from October 2026.
TOP STORIES
Special Deposit Scheme interest rate retained at 7.1% for October-December 2026
On 5 October 2026, the Ministry of Finance notified the interest rate applicable to deposits made under the Special Deposit Scheme for Non-Government Provident, Superannuation and Gratuity Funds.
RBI hikes repo rate to 5.50%; shifts policy stance to ‘calibrated tightening’
On 7 October 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) released the Monetary Policy Statement following the 63rd meeting of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) held from 5 to 7 October 2026 under the chairmanship of RBI Governor Sanjay Malhotra.
The decision follows the Committee’s assessment of evolving domestic and global macroeconomic and financial conditions.
SUPREME COURT
Supreme Court Bar Association announces new medical facility near D- Block for Bar Members
The Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), through its circular dated 9 October 2026, with subject being “Establishment of State-of-the-Art Medical Facilities for the Members of the Bar”, has announced that the Supreme Court has agreed to establish a new state-of-the-art medical facility near D-Block within the Court premises, with upgraded infrastructure and additional medical services for the benefit of members of the Bar.
Supreme Court’s new sequencing of matters in cause list: fresh and early-hearing matters in Part A, after-notice in Part B
On 9 October 2026, the Supreme Court of India has agreed to a revised system for sequencing of matters in the daily cause list. Under the revised Supreme Court sequencing of matters in the daily cause list, matters will be organised into Part A, comprising fresh and early-hearing matters, and Part B, comprising after-notice matters.
The revised arrangement is the result of SCBA’s earlier communications dated 12 August 2025, 15 February 2026, 25 August 2026, and 7 September 2026, concerning the sequencing of matters.
CABINET DECISIONS
Cabinet approves 3% hike in Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief from 1 July 2026
On 28 October 2026, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi, approved the release of an additional instalment of Dearness Allowance (DA) to Central Government employees and Dearness Relief (DR) to Central Government pensioners, enhancing the rate by 3% from 60% to 63% of Basic Pay/Pension.
OTHER IMPORTANT NOTIFICATIONS
Bar Council of India (BCI)
AIBE-XXII syllabus: BCI announces subject-wise weightage
On 13 October 2026, the Bar Council of India (BCI) Trust published the syllabus for the All India Bar Examination (AIBE)-XXII.
The syllabus prescribes 100 questions across 19 legal subjects and sets out the subject-wise distribution and weightage of questions, with Constitutional Law, the Code of Civil Procedure (CPC) and Criminal Procedure carrying the highest allocation of 10 questions each.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI)
SEBI amends SEBI (LODR) Regulations, 2015; mandatory listing requirement rationalised for non-convertible debt securities
On 12 October 2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) notified the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) (Third Amendment) Regulations, 2026. The amendment revises Regulation 62-A of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015, relating to the listing of non-convertible debt securities (NCDs).
SEBI amends SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014; permits Depository Receipts and revises unitholder approval thresholds
On 12 October 2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) notified the SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026, further amending the SEBI (Infrastructure Investment Trusts) Regulations, 2014.
SEBI launches investor awareness campaign under Project Jagrook
On 1 October 2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) issued a circular directing stockbrokers to display specified investor awareness messages on their websites and trading applications under Project Jagrook, SEBI’s nationwide investor-awareness initiative. The circular supplements SEBI’s earlier directions on mandatory risk disclosures issued in May 2023.
SEBI notifies Administrative and Civil Proceedings Settlement Regulations, 2026
On 6 October 2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) notified the SEBI (Settlement of Administrative and Civil Proceedings) Regulations, 2026, to provide a framework for settling administrative and civil proceedings under securities laws. The Regulations lay down the procedure and conditions for settlement and related matters, replacing the existing settlement framework with a consolidated set of provisions governing such proceedings.
Reserve Bank of India (RBI)
RBI amends Operational Risk Capital framework for Commercial Banks: revised provisions to take effect from 1 April 2027
On 23 October 2026, the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) issued the Reserve Bank of India (Commercial Banks — Forthcoming Instructions) Second Amendment Directions, 2026, amending Chapter IV of the Reserve Bank of India (Commercial Banks — Forthcoming Instructions) Directions, 2025, relating to Minimum Capital Requirements for Operational Risk.
Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI)
What could change in insurance distribution? IRDAI proposes major reforms; comments till 25 October
On 23 September 2026, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (IRDAI) issued a public consultation paper titled “Recalibrating Economics of Insurance Distribution”, proposing wide-ranging reforms to insurance distribution architecture, commissions, expenses, market conduct, transparency and digital infrastructure.
Ministry of Finance
GST reverse charge extended to used cooking oil, plastic, tyre and e-waste scrap from 1 November 2026
On 27 October 2026, the Central Government, on the recommendations of the GST Council, has provided that GST on the following goods shall be payable by the recipient under the reverse charge mechanism where they are supplied by an unregistered person to a registered person:
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Used cooking oil (Tariff item 1518);
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Waste and scrap of plastics (Tariff item 3915);
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Waste and scrap of tyres (Tariff item 4004); and
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Electrical and electronics waste and scrap (Tariff item 8549).
Centre exempts Isobgul/Isobgol (Psyllium Seeds) from GST from 1 November 2026
On 27 October 2026, the Central Government, has, being satisfied that it is necessary in the public interest and on the recommendations of the GST Council, exempted supplies of Psyllium seeds (Isobgul/Isobgol) from Central Tax, Integrated Tax and Union Territory Tax:
India—New Zealand FTA: Certification, Origin Criteria and Tariff Rules Notified
On 12 October 2026, the Ministry of Finance notified the Customs Tariff (Determination of Origin of Goods under the Free Trade Agreement between India and New Zealand) Rules, 2026.
The Rules prescribe criteria for determining the origin of goods, documentation, certification and verification procedures for claiming preferential customs duty benefits under the India—New Zealand Free Trade Agreement.
Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology
Centre issues Digital Personal Data Protection (Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2026 to clarify consent and audit provisions
On 5 October 2026, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) notified the Digital Personal Data Protection (Removal of Difficulties) Order, 2026, to remove drafting ambiguities relating to consent requirements and data audit obligations under the Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDP Act).
Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs
GPRA (Amendment) Rules 2026: New Allotment Deadlines, Default Penalties and Revised Licence Fee Provisions
On 15 October 2026, Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, notified the Central Government General Pool Residential Accommodation (Amendment) Rules, 2026. The Amendment Rules revises provisions of the Central Government General Pool Residential Accommodation Rules, 2017, concerning acceptance of accommodation, cancellation of allotment, possession deadlines and licence-fee liability. The GPRA (Amendment) Rules, 2026 came into force on 15 October 2026.
Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Centre notifies Merchant Shipping (Tribunal Members’ Qualification and Submission of Award) Rules, 2026; 90-day timeline prescribed for awards
On 15 October 2026, the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways notified the Merchant Shipping (Tribunal Members’ Qualification and Submission of Award) Rules, 2026, prescribing the qualifications for Tribunal members, providing for the designation of a Chairperson, and establish timelines for passing and submitting awards.
Coastal Shipping (Licencing of Foreign Flag Vessels) Rules, 2026: Overview, Key Provisions and Implications
On 14 October 2026, Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways, notified the Coastal Shipping (Licencing of Foreign Vessels) Rules, 2026, framed under the powers conferred by sub-section (1) and clauses (a), (b), (c), (d), (i), (j), (k), (l), (m), (n), (o) and (q) of sub-section (2) of section 39 of the Coastal Shipping Act, 2025.
Ministry of Law and Justice
Union territories Court Fees (Adjudication of Penalties and Appeal) Rules, 2026 notified to govern adjudication of court-fee and stamp-related violations
On 16 October 2026, Ministry of Law and Justice, notified the Union Territories Court Fees (Adjudication of Penalties and Appeal) Rules, 2026. These Rules were issued under Section 34(1) of the Court-fees Act, 1870 and came into force on 16 October 2026.
The Union Territories Court Fees (Adjudication of Penalties and Appeal) Rules, 2026 introduce a civil and administrative penalty framework for minor, non-fraudulent violations of court fee and stamp-sale rules, replacing criminal sanctions for such contraventions. The Rules also prescribe standard forms for complaints, show-cause notices and appeals, and establish timelines for adjudication and appellate proceedings to promote procedural efficiency and minimise delays.
Ministry of Road Transport and Highways
What changes for E100 fuel and flex-fuel vehicles as Centre amends Central Motor Vehicles Rules
On 23 October 2026, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) notified the Central Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026, further amending the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 to update emission-related provisions and make several technical revisions to fuel specifications, emission tables and testing references.
Centre reconstitutes National Road Safety Council under Motor Vehicles Act, 1988
On 21 October 2026, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) reconstituted the National Road Safety Council under Section 215 of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988, superseding its earlier constitution notified on 7 August 2023. The reconstituted Council comprises official and non-official members, including representatives of Central Ministries, State Governments, road safety institutions and transport associations. It will advise on and discharge functions relating to road safety programmes as specified by the Central Government and is required to meet at least once a year.
Centre introduces concessional annual FASTag passes for local residents living near National Highway fee plazas
On 26 October 2026, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) notified the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) (Fifth Amendment) Rules, 2026, amending the National Highways Fee (Determination of Rates and Collection) Rules, 2008. The amendment introduces a Concessional Local Pass at an annual fee of ₹1,500 for residents living within 20 km of a fee plaza located outside municipal or local town limits and ₹3,000 for those near fee plazas within such limits. The facility is available to owners of non-commercial vehicles with valid and functional FASTags, subject to specified conditions, and comes into force on 1 November 2026.
Ministry of Labour and Employment
Pension scheme rules revised; EPS wage ceiling fixed at ₹15,000
On 15 October 2026, the Ministry of Labour and Employment notified an amendment to the Employees’ Pension Scheme, 2026, prescribing a pensionable wage ceiling of ₹15,000 per month.
The amendment is deemed to have come into force on 17 September 2026.
EPFO extends September 2026 ECR filing and PF contribution deadline to 31 October
On 13 October 2026, the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) issued a circular extending the due date for filing the Electronic Challan-cum-Return (ECR) and remittance of provident fund contributions for the wage month of September 2026.
The deadline has been extended from 15 October 2026 to 31 October 2026.
ESIC notifies ₹20,000 funeral benefit under Social Security Code: Who can claim it
On 7 October 2026, the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC) notified the amount payable towards funeral expenses under Section 32(1)(f) of the Code on Social Security, 2020, fixing the benefit at ₹20,000, in exercise of the powers under Rule 21 of the Social Security (Central) Rules, 2026, read with Section 32(1)(f) of the Code.
Ministry of Fisheries, Animal Husbandry & Dairying
Centre Notifies Animal Feeds and Feed Ingredients (Quality Control) Order, 2026; BIS Certification Made Mandatory for Specified Feed Products
On 7 October 2026, the Central Government notified the Animal Feeds and Feed Ingredients (Quality Control) Order, 2026, mandating BIS certification for specified animal feed products. Issued under Section 16 of the Bureau of Indian Standards Act, 2016, the Order came into force on 12 October 2026. In general, compliance will become mandatory from 1 April 2027 with extended timelines for small and micro enterprises.
Ministry of Health and Family Welfare
NMC de-notifies MSMER-2023; Annual Disclosure Report filing requirement to continue
On 14 October 2026, the National Medical Commission (NMC) notified the de-notification of the Maintenance of Standards of Medical Education Regulations, 2023 (MSMER-2023), withdrawing the regulatory framework with immediate effect while preserving existing rights, obligations, approvals and pending proceedings through transitional and saving provisions.
MSMER-2023 was originally notified on 19 September 2023 and published in the Gazette on 21 September 2023.
Ministry of Commerce and Industry
DPIIT introduces framework for explosives R&D labs and special provisions for startups and MSMEs
On 14 October 2026, the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) notified the Explosives (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, further amending the Explosives Rules, 2008. The amendment has been made under Sections 5 and 7 of the Explosives Act, 1884, creating a dedicated permission framework for explosives R&D laboratories, formally recognise defence explosives, and introduce special provisions benefiting startups, MSMEs, academic institutions and women-led enterprises.
Food Safety and Standards Authority of India
FSSAI proposes ban on addition of sucrose and fructose in foods meant for infants up to six months
On 15 October 2026, the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) published the draft Food Safety and Standards (Foods for Infant Nutrition) Amendment Regulations, 2026, proposing the prohibition the addition of sucrose and fructose in products intended for infants up to six months of age.
The draft amendment has been issued under Section 92 of the Food Safety and Standards Act, 2006. FSSAI has invited objections and suggestions on the proposal, which may be submitted within 60 days to the Chief Executive Officer, FSSAI, or by email at regulation@fssai.gov.in.
STATE LEGISLATION
Delhi High Court enhances process fee from ₹20 to ₹50 under civil court rules
On 15 October 2026, the Delhi High Court amended the Punjab High Court Rules and Orders, as applicable to courts in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. The amendment revises the amount specified in Chapter 12-B, Rule 5(iii), by substituting “Rupees fifty” for “Rupees twenty”.
Kerala revises discount rates for licensed stamp vendors under Stamp Rules, 1960
On 14 October 2026, the Kerala Government notified the Kerala Manufacture and Sale of Stamp (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, amending Rule 39 of the Kerala Manufacture and Sale of Stamp Rules, 1960. The amendment revises the discount rates allowed to licensed stamp vendors on stamp papers of different denominations, ranging from 5.5% for stamp papers up to ₹500 to 0.5% on the value exceeding ₹1 lakh for stamp papers above ₹1 lakh and up to ₹3 lakh. The Rules came into force immediately.
Tamil Nadu extends 365-day opening for shops and establishments with employee safeguards
On 24 August 2026, the Government of Tamil Nadu issued a notification permitting all shops and establishments in the State to remain open on all 365 days of the year for a further period of three years.
Goa Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026 notified: Goa Government omits Rule 310(A) Facilitation Fee provision and amends Registration Framework
On 13 October 2026, the Government of Goa notified the Goa Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Rules, 2026 to further amend the Goa Motor Vehicles Rules, 1991. The amendment omits the proviso to Rule 42 and removes Rule 310(A) from the principal Rules.
The amendment came into force on 15 October 2026 and affects the regulatory framework governing vehicle registration and inspection procedures.
Maharashtra brings Lift and Escalator Safety Regime into force from 1 November
On 22 October 2026, the Government of Maharashtra notified 1 November 2026 as the commencement date of the Maharashtra Lifts, Escalators and Moving Walks Act, 2017.
The notification has been issued under Section 1(3) of the Act.
Lakshadweep Right to Public Services (Amendment) Regulation, 2026 comes into force
On 5 October 2026, the Lakshadweep Administration, through the General Administration and Protocol Department, issued a notification under Section 1(3) of the Lakshadweep (Right to Public Services) Amendment Regulation, 2026.
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