January Updates:
Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Amendment Rules, 2023
The Central Government has notified Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Amendment Rules, 2023 to amend the Companies (Registration Offices and Fees) Rules, 2014. They shall come into force with effect from 23-01-2023.
Indian Telegraph (Infrastructure Safety) Rules, 2022
On 3-1-2023, the Ministry of Communications has notified the Indian Telegraph (Infrastructure Safety) Rules, 2022. The Rules came into effect on 3-1-2023.
Goa Government notifies Goa Drone Policy, 2022
On 5-1-2023, the Government of Goa notified the Goa Drone Policy, 2022 recognizing the potential of the drone sector and foreseeing the need to act as a catalyst and enabler in establishing an ecosystem that will allow drone companies to thrive in the State.
Live Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings Rules of the High Court of Delhi, 2022
On 13-1-2023, the High Court of Delhi notified the Live Streaming and Recording of Court Proceedings Rules of the High Court of Delhi, 2022. The rules came into effect on 13-1-2023.
FOR MORE UPDATES FROM THE MONTH OF JANUARY ALSO READ.
February Updates:
Union Budget, 2023
On 1-02-2023, the Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman announced the Union Budget 2023. The budget is particularly focused upon inclusive development, especially covering the youth, women, farmers, OBCs, Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022 receives President’s assent
On 31-01-2023, the President has given assent to Maritime Anti-Piracy Act, 2022. The Act has been enacted to give effect to the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea relating to repression of piracy on high seas and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
CEA (Flexible Operation of Coal based Thermal Power Generating Units) Regulations, 2023
On 30-1-2023, the Central Electricity Authority notified the Central Electricity Authority (Flexible Operation of Coal based Thermal Power Generating Units) Regulations, 2023. The provisions came into force on 30-1-2023.
Provision for Transfer of gametes and embryos for personal use, introduced vide Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2023
On 24-2-2022, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Amendment Rules, 2023 to amend the Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Rules, 2022. The provisions came into force on 24-2-2023.
FOR MORE UPDATES FROM THE MONTH OF FEBRUARY ALSO READ.
March Updates:
MoRTH inserts Maximum allowed Conformity Factor for in-service Conformity Emission Testing
On 27-3-2023, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notified the Central Motor Vehicles (Second Amendment) Rules, 2023 to amend the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The provisions came into effect on 27-3-2023.
General Obligations and Responsibilities of FPIs and DDPs revised vide SEBI (Foreign Portfolio Investors) (Amendment) Regulations, 2023
On 15-3-2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) notified the SEBI (Foreign Portfolio Investors) (Amendment) Regulations, 2023 to amend the SEBI (Foreign Portfolio Investors) Regulations, 2019.
SEBI notifies SEBI (Grant of Reward to Informant under Recovery Proceedings) Guidelines, 2023
On 8-3-2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Grant of Reward to Informant under Recovery Proceedings) Guidelines, 2023.
IRDAI (Expenses of Management of Insurers transacting General or Health Insurance business) Regulations, 2023
On 27-3-2023, the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (‘IRDAI’) notified the Insurance Regulatory and Development Authority of India (Expenses of Management of Insurers transacting General or Health Insurance business) Regulations, 2023.
Tamil Nadu notifies Civil Services (Appointment on Compassionate Grounds) Rules, 2023
On 8-3-2023, the Government of Tamil Nadu notified the Tamil Nadu Civil Services (Appointment on Compassionate Grounds) Rules, 2023.
FOR MORE UPDATES FROM THE MONTH OF MARCH ALSO READ.
April Updates:
MeitY introduces provisions on Online Gaming vide IT (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023
On 6-4-2023, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology notified the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Amendment Rules, 2023 to amend the Information Technology (Intermediary Guidelines and Digital Media Ethics Code) Rules, 2021.
MoHFW notifies Surrogacy Regulations, 2023 laying down the procedures for meetings of National Assisted Reproductive Technology and Surrogacy Board
On 5-4-2023, the Ministry of Health and Family Welfare notified the Surrogacy Regulations, 2023. The provisions came into force on 5-4-2023.
MoRTH issues All India Tourist Vehicles (Permit) Rules, 2023
On 18-4-2023, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notified the All India Tourist Vehicles (Permit) Rules, 2023. The provisions will come into force on 1-5-2023.
Tamil Nadu Government notifies Online Gaming Authority and Regulation of Online Games Rules, 2023
On 21-4-2023, the Government of Tamil Nadu notified the Tamil Nadu Online Gaming Authority and Regulation of Online Games Rules, 2023. The provisions came into force on 21-4-2023.
NYC adopts Final Regulations on Use of AI in Hiring and Promotion
The New York City Department of Consumer and Worker Protection (DCWP) adopted its Final Rule to implement Local Law 144, which regulates the use of Automated Employment Decision Tools (‘AEDT’) to screen applicants or employees in the city. It will come into force with effect from 5-07-2023.
FOR MORE UPDATES FROM THE MONTH OF APRIL ALSO READ.
May Updates:
MCA streamlines approvals for mergers vide Companies (Compromises, Arrangements and Amalgamations) Amendment Rules, 2023
On 15-5-2023, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs notified the Companies (Compromises, Arrangements and Amalgamations) Amendment Rules, 2023 to amend the Companies (Compromises, Arrangements and Amalgamations) Rules, 2016.
Special Protection Group to provide security to Prime Minister
On 25-5-2023, the Ministry of Home Affairs notified the Special Protection Group Rules, 2023 to provide security to the Present and Former Prime Ministers and to their families. The provisions came into effect on 25-5-2023.
MoRTH revises provisions on fire protection of Type III Buses vide Central Motor Vehicles (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2023
On 1-5-2023, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notified the Central Motor Vehicles (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2023 to amend the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989. The provisions came into force on 1-5-2023.
MoC&F notifies National Medical Devices Policy, 2023
The Policy contributes to the objectives of public health by making available quality products.
Texas Senate Bill- 1070 introducing a Private Sector Data System to identify voters, passed by the House of Representatives
The House of Representatives for the State of Texas on 23-05-2023 passed SB-1070 amending Section 18.062 of the Election Code. Under new Amendment as envisaged by the SB-1070, new provisions have been added, however the focus has been on introduction of a Private Sector Data System to identify voters.
FOR MORE UPDATES FROM THE MONTH OF MAY ALSO READ.
June Updates:
[Uniform Civil Code] 22nd Law Commission decides to solicit views of public/ religious organizations
On 14-6-2023, the 22nd Law Commission of India decided to solicit views and ideas of the public and recognized religious organizations about the Uniform Civil Code (‘UCC’).
CBDT notifies e-Appeals Scheme 2023 to streamline TDS and TCS appeals
On 29-5-2023, the Ministry of Finance notified the e-Appeals Scheme, 2023 to reduce pendency of appeals related to Tax Deducted at Source default issues and Tax Collection at Source. It came into effect on 29-5-2023.
SEBI bars CEO of ZEEL and Chairman of Essel Group from holding Directorial Positions
On 12-6-2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) in the matter of Zee Entertainment Enterprises Ltd. (‘ZEEL’) passed an interim order barring Subhash Chandra (Chairman of Essel Group) and Punit Goenka (CEO of ZEEL) to hold Directorial or Key Managerial Personnel in any listed company owned by them.
RBI imposes penalty of Rs. 30 Lakhs on Axis Bank Ltd. for wrongly levying penal charges on its credit card holders on account of late payment
On 23-6-2023, the Reserve Bank of India (‘RBI’) imposed a penalty of Rs. 30 lakhs on Axis Bank Ltd. for non-compliance with Directions on ‘Prudential Norms on Income Recognition, Asset Classification and Provisioning pertaining to Advances — Credit Card Accounts’.
EU passes proposal to Regulate Artificial Intelligence
The Members of European Parliament (MEPs) adopted its negotiating position on the European Union’s (‘EU’) Artificial Intelligence Act with 499 votes in favour, 28 against and 93 abstentions on 14-06-2023.
FOR MORE UPDATES FROM THE MONTH OF JUNE ALSO READ.
July Updates:
[GST Council 50th Meeting] Uniform 28% GST levied on Casino, Race Course and Online Gaming
On 11-7-2023, the Goods and Services Tax (‘GST’) Council in its 50th Meeting recommended changing GST tax rates, discussed measures for facilitation of trade and measures for streamlining compliances in GST.
MoF mandates prior approval of RBI to Use International Credit Card overseas for making transactions covered under Schedule III
On 30-6-2023, the Ministry of Finance further amended the Foreign Exchange Management (Current Account Transactions) Rules, 2000. It will be deemed to have been came into effect on 16-5-2023.
SEBI introduces new chapter on ESG Rating Providers in SEBI (Credit Rating Agencies) Regulations, 1999
On 3-7-2023, the Security and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) introduced the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Credit Rating Agencies) (Amendment) Regulations, 2023 to amend the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Credit Rating Agencies) Regulations, 1999.
Mah Govt announces additional Allowances and Post-Retirement Benefits to Retired Bombay High Court Judges
On 4-7-2023, the Maharashtra Government announced post- retirement benefits and allowances for housekeeping, chauffeur and telephone expenses to the retired Bombay High Court Judges.
FOR MORE UPDATES FROM THE MONTH OF JULY ALSO READ.
August Updates:
Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023 receives President’s assent
On 11-08-2023, the President has given his assent to Digital Personal Data Protection Bill, 2023. The object of the Act is to provide for the processing of digital personal data in a manner that recognises both the right of individuals to protect their personal data and the need to process such personal data for lawful purposes and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023 prohibits unauthorized recording of Films
On 4-8-2023, the Ministry of Law and Justice notified the Cinematograph (Amendment) Act, 2023 to amend the Cinematograph Act, 1952.
SEBI introduces Online Dispute Resolution Portal to harness disputes arising in Indian Securities Market
On 31-7-2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) introduced a common Online Dispute Resolution Portal (‘ODR Portal’) which will harness online conciliation and online arbitration for resolution of disputes arising in the Indian Securities Market.
Government restricts import of laptops, tablets with effect from November 1, 2023
On 3-8-2023, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade restricted the import of Laptops, Tablets, All in one Personal Computers and Ultra small form factor Computers and Servers with effect from 1-11-2023.
FOR MORE UPDATES FROM THE MONTH OF AUGUST ALSO READ.
September Updates:
106th Constitutional Amendment Act 2023 paves the way for Women Lawmakers
On 28-9-2023, the Ministry of Law and Justice notified the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023 to further amend the Constitution of India.
[Law Commission Report 283] Law Commission recommends amending POCSO Act, JJ Act and Penal Code
On 27-9-2023, the Law Commission of India publishes its Report No. 283 on the subject “Age of Consent under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012” (‘POCSO’). The Report talks about bringing certain amendments in the POCSO Act to remedy the situation where there is a tacit approval in fact and not a consent in law on part of the child aged between 16 to 18 years.
CBIC lays down provisions relating to online gaming vide CGST (Third Amendment) Rules, 2023
On 29-9-2023, the Central Board of Indirect Taxes and Customs notified the Central Goods and Services Tax (Third Amendment) Rules, 2023 to amend the Central Goods and Services Tax Rules, 2017. The provisions will come into force on 1-10-2023.
Mediation Bill 2023 receives President’s assent
On 15-9-2023, the Ministry of Law and Justice notified the Mediation Act, 2023 to especially promote institutional mediation for resolution of disputes, enforce mediated settlement agreements, provide for a body for registration of mediators, to encourage community mediation and to make online mediation as acceptable and cost-effective process.
FOR MORE UPDATES FROM THE MONTH OF SEPTEMBER ALSO READ.
October Updates:
[52nd GST Council Meeting] Recommends Amnesty Scheme for Taxpayers
On 7-10-2023, the Goods and Services Tax Council held its 52nd Meeting under the Chairpersonship of Union Minister for Finance and Corporate Affairs, Nirmala Sitharaman.
Combination Package and Group Package introduced vide Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules, 2023
On 6-10-2023, the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution notified the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Amendment Rules, 2023 to amend the Legal Metrology (Packaged Commodities) Rules, 2011. The provisions will come into effect on 1-1-2024.
Centre notifies Green Credit Rules, 2023 to promote Green Credit Programme
On 12-10-2023, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the Green Credit Rules, 2023 to leverage a competitive market-based approach for green credit for incentivizing environmental actions of various stakeholders. The provisions came into force on 12-10-2023.
MoEF revises responsibility of Producer vide Battery Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2023
On 25-10-2023, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the Battery Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2023 to amend the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022. The provisions came into force on 25-10-2023.
FOR MORE UPDATES FROM THE MONTH OF OCTOBER ALSO READ.
November Updates:
Bill increasing jurisdiction of City Civil Court up to ₹10 crore receives President’s assent
On 20-11-2023, the Bombay City Civil Court (Amendment) Act, 2023 has received the assent of President in order to amend the Bombay City Civil Court Act, 1948.
MoEF revises definition of ‘Carry Bags’ to include Biodegradable Plastic bags
On 30-10-2023, the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change notified the Plastic Waste Management (Second Amendment) Rules, 2023 to amend the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016. The provisions came into force on 30-10-2023.
MCA mandates every company to designate a person to be responsible to Registrar
On 27-10-2023, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs notified the Companies (Management and Administration) Second Amendment Rules, 2023 to amend the Companies (Management and Administration) Rules, 2014. The provisions came into force on 27-10-2023.
Delhi Govt orders to invoke all actions envisaged under Stage-III of GRAP ‘Severe’ Air Quality with immediate effect
On 2-11-2023, the Government of NCT Delhi, Transport Department ordered to invoke all actions envisaged under Stage-III of the Graded Response Action Plan (‘GRAP’) ‘Severe’ Air Quality (AQI ranging between 401-450) with immediate effect. Penalty of Rs. 20,000 will be imposed on defaulters.
Govt notifies CMV (Ninth Amendment) Rules, 2023 categorizing vehicles which will comply with requirements of Rule 124
On 7-11-2023, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways notified the Central Motor Vehicles (Ninth Amendment) Rules, 2023 to amend the Central Motor Vehicles Rules, 1989 (‘CMV Rules’). The provisions came into force on 7-11-2023.
SEBI introduces “Most Important Terms and Conditions” to formalize broker-client relationship
On 13-11-2023, the Securities and Exchange Board of India (‘SEBI’) revised the Master Circular dated 17-5-2023 introducing a standard “Most Important Terms and Conditions” (‘MITC’) which will be given by the brokers to the clients to bring into focus critical aspects of broker-client relationship and for ease of understanding of the clients.
MCA notifies Rules for Significant Beneficial Owners & their Declaration to reporting LLPs
On 9-11-2023, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs notified the Limited Liability Partnership (Significant Beneficial Owners) Rules, 2023 mandating every Limited Liability Partnership (‘LLP’) to find out if any of the individuals is a significant beneficial owner in relation to reporting LLP and on identification, such individual has to make a declaration.
Delhi Government notifies Scheme for Premium Buses
On 20-11-2023, the Delhi Government notified the Delhi Motor Vehicles Licensing of Aggregator (Premium Buses) Scheme, 2023 applicable to all premium buses under a valid Aggregator license granted by the Transport Department of Delhi, to operate within National Capital Territory of Delhi (‘NCR’).
Hybrid Working outside SEZ permitted until 31-12-2024 vide Special Economic Zones (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2023
On 7-11-2023, the Ministry of Commerce and Industry notified the Special Economic Zones (Fourth Amendment) Rules, 2023 to amend the Special Economic Zones Rules, 2006. The provisions came into force on 7-11-2023.
December Updates:
CCPA notifies Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023 to prevent unfair trade practice
On 30-11-2023, the Central Consumer Protection Authority notified the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Dark Patterns, 2023. The provisions came into force on 30-11-2023.
Govt introduces provision relating to power to frame and publish the list of touts vide Advocates (Amendment) Act, 2023
On 8-12-2023, the Ministry of Law and Justice notified the Advocates (Amendment) Act, 2023 to amend the Advocates Act, 1961.
Age of appointment of President, Judicial Member & Technical Member increased vide CGST (Second Amendment) Act, 2023
On 28-12-2023, the Ministry of Law and Justice notified the Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Act, 2023 to amend the Central Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017.
RBI notifies FEM (Manner of Receipt and Payment) Regulations, 2023 mandating permission from RBI for Trade outside India
On 21-12-2023, the Reserve Bank of India (‘RBI’) notified the Foreign Exchange Management (Manner of Receipt and Payment) Regulations, 2023 mandating permission of RBI to make or receive payments from a person residing outside India.
Centre’s new Bills to overhaul Indian Criminal Justice system withdrawn; To be reintroduced after incorporating suggestions of Committee
On 11-12-2023, the Union Home Minister Amit Shah informed the Lok Sabha that the Government sought to withdraw the three newly proposed three Criminal Bills Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Bill, 2023, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) Bill, 2023 which aimed at revamping the Indian criminal justice system.
Parliament passes new Criminal Law Bills to replace colonial-era IPC, CrPC, Evidence Act; Read key highlights
On 21-12-2023, during the winter session, the Rajya Sabha passed the three Criminal Bills namely, the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita (BNS) 2023, and the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita (BNSS) 2023 which aimed at revamping the Indian criminal justice system of India and replace the colonial-era Evidence Act, 1872; Penal Code, 1860; and the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.
Telecommunication Bill receives assent of the President, aims at consolidating laws relating to telecommunication in India
On 24-12-2023, the Telecommunication Bill, 2023 received the assent of the President. The bill aims at strengthening the laws relating to telecommunication services and networks in India.
Post Office Act, 2023 — Key Highlights
On 24-12-2023 the Post Office Act, 2023 received President’s assent which consolidate and amend the laws relating to Post Office in India and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto, the Act of 2023 replaces the Post Office Act, 1898.
RBI notifies RBI (Government Securities Lending) Directions, 2023 enabling lending and borrowing of Government Securities
On 27-12-2023, the Reserve Bank of India (‘RBI’) notified the RBI (Government Securities Lending) Directions, 2023 applicable to all Government securities lending transactions, undertaken in Over-the-Counter markets. The provisions came into force on 27-12-2023.
Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023, notified
On 29-12-2023, the Ministry of Law and Justice notified the Press and Registration of Periodicals Act, 2023 repealing the Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867. The Act received the President’s assent on December 29, 2023.
