{"id":374908,"date":"2026-02-06T14:00:21","date_gmt":"2026-02-06T08:30:21","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/?p=374908"},"modified":"2026-02-06T14:54:09","modified_gmt":"2026-02-06T09:24:09","slug":"legislation-roundup-january-2026","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.scconline.com\/blog\/post\/2026\/02\/06\/legislation-roundup-january-2026\/","title":{"rendered":"Legislation Roundup January 2026: UGC Guidelines for Mental Health, Rise in Excise Duty on tobacco products, AIBE-XX Results; and More"},"content":{"rendered":"
\n

As we wrap up January 2026, it’s essential to highlight the significant legislative developments that have emerged this month. This Legislation Roundup January 2026 covers UGC Guidelines for Mental Health<\/span>, Digital Notary Portal, Free Legal Aid services, raise in Excise Duty on tobacco products, National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026, Environmental (Protection) Fund Rules, 2026, AIBE-XX Results.<\/p>\n

HIGHLIGHT OF THE MONTH:<\/h2>\n

UGC Issues Guidelines for Mental Health and Well-Being in Higher Educational Institutions<\/p>\n

On 13-1-2026, the University Grants Commission (‘UGC’) circulated the UGC Guidelines on Uniform Policy on Mental Health & Well-Being for Higher Educational Institutions (‘HEIs’). These guidelines form a comprehensive step toward strengthening mental-health support systems across educational institutions….<\/p>\n

Read full report on UGC Guidelines<\/span> <\/a><\/p>\n

KEY BILLS, DRAFT POLICIES AND ORDINANCES — JANUARY 2026Towards safer, gender inclusive workplaces and modern labour laws: Delhi Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026<\/p>\n

On 9-1-2026, the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi introduced the Delhi Shops and Establishments (Amendment) Bill, 2026. The Bill aims of modernizing labour practices and strengthening workplace protections, particularly for women employees.<\/p>\n

Read more<\/a><\/p>\n

Reimagining India’s Power Toward Viksit Bharat @2047: Ministry of Power releases Draft National Electricity Policy 2026 for public consultation<\/p>\n

On 20-1-2026, the Ministry of Power issued the draft of National Electricity Policy (NEP) 2026, introducing a framework that ensures reliable affordable and sustainable electricity supply. It aims to bring transformation to power sector aligning with the vision of Viksit Bharat @2047.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n

PARLIAMENTARY UPDATES AND GOVERNMENT RESPONSES — JANUARY 2026<\/h2>\n

Inside the Newly launched Digital Notary Portal: How Notarial Services Are Going Paperless<\/p>\n

On 29-01-2026, in reply to a question in Rajya Sabha, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of Law and Justice, informed the Rajya Sabha about the launch of the Notary Portal to digitally modernize the Legal Services. This Portal will be a dedicated platform for providing online services for the works related to the Notary Act, 1952 and the Notary Rules, 1956.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n

Law Ministry outlines initiatives for establishing Legal Aid Centres in tribal and remote belts<\/p>\n

On 29-01-2026, Arjun Ram Meghwal, Minister of Law and Justice, in response to a question in Rajya Sabha, stated that the Government continues to strengthen legal aid delivery systems across the country.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n

PIMS After Six Years: Law Ministry Updates Parliament on Commercial Disputes Settled Through Pre-Institution Mediation<\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n

Free Legal Aid services reach citizens from Taluk to Supreme Court, says Law Ministry<\/p>\n

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<\/a>.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n

MINISTRY OF LAW & JUSTICE<\/h2>\n

Comprehensive Overview of the Repealing and Amending Act, 2025: Repealed Laws & Major Amendments<\/p>\n

On 21-12-2025, the Ministry of Law and Justice notified the Repealing and Amending Act, 2025 to repeal certain enactments and to amend certain other enactments. The provisions came into force on 20-12-2025.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

MINISTRY OF FINANCE<\/h2>\n

Cigarettes to burn holes in your pocket from Feb 2026: Govt raises Excise Duty on tobacco products<\/p>\n

On 31-12-2025, the Finance Ministry issued a notification announcing Central Excise Duty on tobacco products. The notification covers cigarettes, cigarillos, chewing tobacco, gutkha, snuff, smoking mixtures, hukkah tobacco, reconstituted tobacco, and other related preparations.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n

GSTAT Allows Leniency in Appeal Scrutiny Until July 2026<\/p>\n

On 20-1-2026, the Ministry of Finance, GST Appellate Tribunal issued an Office Order considering the difficulties faced by the appellants in the initial phase for filing of appeals on the GSTAT Portal.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n

MINISTRY OF LABOUR & EMPLOYMENT<\/h2>\n

All you need to know about the Draft Rules under India’s Four Labour Codes<\/p>\n

The Central Government implemented these Four Labour Codes on 21-11-2025. This marked a historic consolidation of 29 labour laws into 4 comprehensive codes simplifying compliance and strengthening worker protections.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n

FAQs on the Labour Codes: Everything Employers and Employees Need to Know!<\/p>\n

On 30-12-2025, the Ministry of Labour and Employment notified the detailed set of FAQs on the Labour Codes, crucial for clarifying provisions, compliance requirements, and dispelling myths, helping employers, employees, and professionals navigate the changes introduced by the Codes.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n

Key FAQs on Social Security Code 2020: Clarifications for Modern Workforce Needs<\/p>\n

On 9-1-2026, the Ministry of Labour and Employment notified the Frequently Asked Questions on Social Security Code, 2020, providing clarifications aimed at simplifying compliance, promoting inclusivity, and adapting to the evolving needs of India’s workforce.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

MINISTRY OF ENVIRONMENT, FOREST AND CLIMATE CHANGE<\/h2>\n

Overview of Environmental (Protection) Fund Rules, 2026<\/p>\n

On 15-1-2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate change notified the Environmental (Protection) Fund Rules, 2026, introducing a unified national mechanism for collecting, allocating, and utilizing environmental penalties for measurable and accountable environmental protection activities.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Revised Uniform Consent Guidelines Introduced under Air and Water Laws to Accelerate Industrial Approvals<\/p>\n

On 23-1-2026, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the following: Control of Air Pollution (Grant, Refusal or Cancellation of Consent) Amendment Guidelines, 2026. Control of Water Pollution (Grant, Refusal or Cancellation of Consent) Amendment Guidelines, 2026.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

MINISTRY OF ELECTRONICS & INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY<\/h2>\n

MeitY Advisory to Social Media Platforms on Unlawful Online Content: Compliance Under IT Act & Rules<\/p>\n

On 29-12-2025, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (‘MeitY’) has issued an advisory to all intermediaries including social media platforms, prohibiting hosting, uploading, sharing, or transmission of obscene, pornographic, vulgar, indecent, sexually explicit, or paedophilic content, as well as material harmful to children or otherwise unlawful under prevailing statutes.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n

MINISTRY OF YOUTH AFFAIRS & SPORTS<\/h2>\n

Ensuring Transparency and Athlete Representation: National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026<\/p>\n

On 12-1-2026, the Ministry of Youth Affairs and Sports notified the National Sports Governance (National Sports Bodies) Rules, 2026, introducing a framework to strengthen transparency, accountability, and athlete representation in the governance of sports bodies across India. These Rules came into effect on 12-1-2026.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n

MINISTRY OF ROAD TRANSPORT & HIGHWAYS<\/h2>\n

Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026: Unpaid Toll Fees to Impact NOC, Fitness and Permits<\/p>\n

On 13-1-2026, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (‘MoRTH’) notified the Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2026, introducing new provisions linked to unpaid user fees (toll dues) and tightening compliance requirements for vehicle owners. These Rules came into effect on 14-1-2026.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

BAR COUNCIL OF INDIA<\/h2>\n

AIBE-XX Results Declared: 69.21% Pass Rate, Next Exam on June 7, 2026<\/p>\n

On 7-1-2026, the Bar Council of India (‘BCI’) announced the results of the All-India Bar Examination-XX (‘AIBE-XX’). The AIBE-XX was conducted on 30-11-2025 across 399 centers in 56 different cities.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n

INTERNATIONAL FINANCIAL CENTRES AUTHORITY<\/h2>\n

IFSCA Global In-House Centres Regulations 2025: Key Objectives, Eligibility & Registration Process<\/p>\n

On 24-12-2025, the International Financial Centres Authority notified the International Financial Services Centres Authority (Global In-House Centres) Regulations, 2025 to position India’s International Financial Services Centres as dynamic global hubs for high-value financial and related services. The provisions came into force on 29-12-2025.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n

NATIONAL HIGHWAYS AUTHORITY OF INDIA<\/h2>\n

NHAI’s New FASTag Policy: No KYV Needed for FASTags From February 2026<\/p>\n

On 1-1-2026, the National Highways Authority of India (‘NHAI’) announced the discontinuation of the Know Your Vehicle (‘KYV’) requirement for all newly issued FASTags in the car\/jeep\/van category. This step is aimed at enhancing public convenience, reducing delays, and making highway travel smoother for millions of commuters across India. This initiative will be effective from 1-2-2026…<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

UNIQUE IDENTIFICATION AUTHORITY OF INDIA<\/h2>\n

UIDAI hikes Aadhaar PVC Card Fee: New Rates Effective January 2026<\/p>\n

On 12-12-2025, the Unique Identification Authority of India (‘UIDAI’) announced an increase in the rates of service fee for PVC Aadhaar cards. These revised rates became effective from 1-1-2026.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n

UNIVERSITY GRANTS COMMISSION<\/h2>\n

UGC 2026 Row: What’s in the Notification that has everyone up in arms<\/p>\n

On 13-1-2026, the University Grants Commission (‘UGC’) notified the UGC (Promotion of Equity in Higher Education Institutions) Regulations, 2026, aimed at eliminating discrimination and ensuring equal opportunity across all higher education institutions.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n

RESERVE BANK OF INDIA<\/h2>\n

Foreign Exchange Management (Guarantees) Regulations, 2026 — Key Provisions, Exemptions & Reporting Requirements<\/p>\n

On 6-1-2026, the Reserve Bank of India notified the Foreign Exchange Management (Guarantees) Regulations, 2026 to regulate cross- border guarantees by Indian residents. These Regulations are issued in supersession of Foreign Exchange Management (Guarantees) Regulations, 2000<\/a>.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

SECURITIES & EXCHANGE BOARD OF INDIA<\/h2>\n

SEBI (Stock Brokers) Regulations, 2026: Key Provisions and Implications<\/p>\n

On 7-1-2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) issued a notification implementing the SEBI (Stock Brokers) Regulations, 2026, a framework to govern the registration, obligations, and responsibilities of stock brokers and clearing members in India’s securities market. These Regulations came into effect on 7-1-2026.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

Key Highlights of the SEBI (Issue and Listing of Non-Convertible Securities) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026<\/p>\n

On 20-1-2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) notified the SEBI (Issue and Listing of Non-Convertible Securities) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026, aim to strengthen the corporate debt framework by recognising retail investors and enabling issuers to extend specified pricing incentives.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n

SEBI Introduces Digital Signature Certificate Integration for Seamless FPI Onboarding<\/p>\n

On 8-1-2026, the Securities and Exchange Board of India issued a notification facilitating seamless Digital Signature Certificate Functionality for Foreign Portfolio Investors. It is a key step in digiting the Foreign Portfolio Investors (‘FPIs’) on boarding process.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n

SEBI issued Master Circular on Social Stock Exchange<\/p>\n

On 19-1-2026, the Securities Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) issued a Master circular for Framework on Social Stock Exchange (‘SSE’). It is a regulatory framework governing registration, fundraising, disclosures, impact reporting, and governance for Social Enterprises and Not-for-Profit Organisations (‘NPOs’)….<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/p>\n

FOREIGN LEGISLATION<\/h2>\n

No Social Media Below 15: France Passes Landmark Law to Protect Minors from Online Harm<\/p>\n

On 26-1-2026, the National Assembly of France adopted the bill aimed at protecting minors from the risks to which they are exposed by the use of social networks. The proposed framework restricts social media use for minors under 15 and establishes firmer controls on the digital environment shaping young lives.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/a><\/p>\n

The ‘Mother of All Deals’ Is Here: India and EU Seal Historic Free Trade Agreement<\/p>\n

On 27-1-2026, India and the European Union (‘EU’) announced the conclusion of the India—EU Free Trade Agreement (India—EU FTA) at the 16th India—EU Summit. This marks a significant step in India—EU economic relations and trade engagement.<\/p>\n

READ MORE<\/span><\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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