Regulatory & Compliance

On June 30, 2026, the Department of Pharmaceuticals under the Ministry of Chemicals and Fertilizers issued Notification S.O. 3516(E), introducing significant amendments to the Drugs (Prices Control) Order, 2013. The amendment order, effective from the date of its publication, establishes new compliance requirements for pharmaceutical manufacturers relating to drug launch intimation, pricing transparency, record retention, and overcharging liability. These changes reshape key

The legal profession operates on a foundation of trust. When an advocate breaches that trust through professional misconduct, clients and affected parties have the right to seek accountability through the disciplinary mechanisms established under the Advocates Act, 1961. The process involves filing a complaint with the State Bar Council, with the Bar Council of India (BCI) serving as the appellate authority. Recent developments, including a landmark Supreme Court direction in

The Delhi High Court has designated 85 advocates as Senior Advocates under Section 16(2) of the Advocates Act, 1961, following a Full Court Resolution dated July 9, 2026. The designations include 11 women advocates and represent a rigorous selection from 231 applicants.

The Supreme Court on July 10, 2026, declined to interfere with a Bombay High Court order that refused to reopen a Goa mining e-auction conducted by the State Government through the Metal Scrap Trade Corporation Limited (MSTC) platform for the Cavorem-Maina Mineral Block. Background The e-auction was conducted by the Goa Government for the allotment of mining rights over the Cavorem-Maina Mineral Block. The petitioner, who was an unsuccessful bidder, challenged the outcome of

On July 7, 2026, the Supreme Court held that external agencies such as the Indian Banks' Association (IBA) cannot declare advocates professionally negligent or maintain 'caution lists' blacklisting lawyers. The jurisdiction to examine professional misconduct lies exclusively with the Bar Council of India and the State Bar Councils under the Advocates Act, 1961. In the same judgment, the Court directed the BCI to undertake a comprehensive performance audit of its disciplinary

Lucknow Coaching Fire: Allahabad HC Flags Regulatory Failures, Demands Safety SOP On 24 June 2026, a devastating fire broke out at a three-storey commercial building in the Puraniya locality of Aliganj, Lucknow, housing an animation coaching centre. The blaze claimed the lives of at least 15 students, most of them aged between 16 and 25 years, with some reports placing the toll as high as 18. The majority of deaths were caused by suffocation, as students found themselves trap

Supreme Court Pulls Up Pharmacy Council for Failing to Meet Approval Deadlines On July 3, 2026, the Supreme Court of India sharply criticized the Pharmacy Council of India (PCI) for repeatedly seeking extensions for the approval and admission schedule of pharmacy institutions. A bench of Justices Manmohan and K. Vinod Chandran observed that regulatory authorities themselves were responsible for the deterioration in educational standards by failing to adhere to court-prescribe

Filing a life insurance claim in India is the process by which a nominee or legal heir receives the sum assured after the death of the policyholder. When handled correctly, a genuine claim should be settled quickly, because the insurance regulator sets firm timelines for insurers. This guide explains how to file a life insurance claim in India, the documents you need, how long settlement should take, and what the law says about claims that are investigated or rejected. Intima

A fire NOC, or fire safety certificate, is a no objection certificate issued by the State Fire Services Department confirming that a building meets fire prevention and life safety standards. If you are constructing or operating a high rise, hospital, school, hotel, mall, factory or assembly building, knowing how to get a fire NOC in India is essential: municipal authorities typically insist on it before granting an occupancy certificate, and many trade and operating licences

The Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2026 has introduced significant changes to railway penalties by amending the Railways Act, 1989. Effective from July 2026, these amendments double the minimum penalty for ticketless travel and introduce new monetary penalties for activities such as unauthorized hawking, vending without a licence, and begging within railway premises. The changes reflect a broader legislative philosophy of replacing criminal prosecution with admini

The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has revised Indian passport fees for the first time in 14 years. The new rates, introduced through the Passports (Amendment) Rules, 2026, took effect on July 1, 2026, replacing the fee structure that had remained unchanged since 2012. The revision covers all categories of passports, Police Clearance Certificates, and related services, with increases ranging from 60% to 75% depending on the document type. This article breaks down the new

Rajasthan has formed a five-member committee, chaired by Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, to draft a Uniform Civil Code for the state, the government announced on June 22, 2026. The committee is expected to examine marriage, divorce, a ban on polygamy, mandatory registration of live-in relationships, and equal inheritance rights across religious communities. Public consultations will be held at the divisional level before the panel finalises its recommendations. The move follow

Effective March 26, 2026, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) introduced sweeping new air travel rules that significantly strengthen passenger rights in India. The centrepiece of the new framework is a 48-hour free cancellation window, which allows passengers to cancel their tickets without incurring any cancellation charges, provided specific conditions are met. The rules also mandate faster refund timelines, clearer fare transparency, and compensation ranging f

On June 22, 2026, the Rajasthan government announced the constitution of a five-member committee to draft the Rajasthan Uniform Civil Code (RUCC), 2026. Headed by former Supreme Court Judge Justice Ranjana Prakash Desai, the committee has been tasked with preparing a comprehensive civil code that would govern marriage, divorce, inheritance, and related personal law matters across the state. The announcement was made by Cabinet Minister Jogaram Patel and Minister of State for

FSSAI directs all food businesses to immediately stop using metallic pins, staple pins and wires in food packaging after reports of consumer injury risks.

A Residents Welfare Association (RWA) is the collective voice of homeowners within a housing society, apartment complex, or residential colony. Forming and registering an RWA is essential for organized community governance and effective maintenance of common areas. This guide covers the legal requirements, documentation, and compliance steps involved in setting up an RWA in India. What Is a Residents Welfare Association (RWA)? An RWA is a non-profit organization formed by res

Before you lay a single brick, your building plan must be sanctioned by the local municipal corporation. Building plan approval is a mandatory clearance confirming that your proposed construction complies with safety standards, zoning regulations, and local bye-laws. Without it, your structure may be treated as unauthorised, exposing you to demolition orders, penalties, and the inability to obtain an occupancy certificate later. This guide walks you through every stage of the

Owning a firearm in India is a regulated privilege, not a right. The process of acquiring and possessing firearms is governed by the Arms Act 1959 and the Arms Rules 2016. Whether you need a weapon for self-defence, sport shooting, or crop protection, you must obtain a valid arms licence from the appropriate authority. This guide covers the legal framework, eligibility, application process, documents, fees, processing time, and renewal procedure. Legal Framework: Arms Act 195

The Ministry of Information and Broadcasting has released the draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules 2026 for public consultation, proposing a single, simplified framework for television channels, distribution platforms and radio services under the Telecommunications Act 2023. The draft Telecommunications (Television, Radio and Associated Services) Rules 2026 aim to replace a patchwork of older guidelines and to make compliance easier acros

Understanding the Immigration and Foreigners Amendment Order 2026 India's immigration framework governs how foreign nationals enter, stay, and move within the country. It also defines the rights and restrictions applicable to Overseas Citizens of India (OCI) cardholders. On June 18, 2026, the Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) notified the Immigration and Foreigners (Amendment) Order, 2026, introducing changes that affect OCI cardholders, permit procedures, and the classification