Law Updates

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Summary: India’s digital growth is gaining momentum, powered by mobile connectivity and the evolution of 5G. In a key move to support this expansion, the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has released a Consultation Paper on the Auction of IMT Spectrum Bands. This paper focuses on the auction of radio frequency spectrum across various bands identified for International Mobile Telecommunications (IMT) by the ITU. The consultation addresses a wide range of frequency bands from 600 MHz for rural coverage to mm Wave bands like 26 GHz for ultra-fast urban connectivity. TRAI is also revisiting previously auctioned bands such as 800 MHz, 1800 MHz, and others for reassessment, and is considering E band and V band for backhaul support. Key objectives include recommending reserve prices, auction formats, block sizes, and spectrum caps, while promoting efficient use and harmonization. TRAI has invited feedback from all stakeholders to help build a fair, future-ready spectrum policy. This initiative is set to directly impact 5G rollout, digital inclusion, and the overall telecom landscape of India.

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Summary: The Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO) has issued new safety directions for inspecting the Internal Excess Flow Check Valve (IEFCV) and IEFCV coupling in non-cryogenic mobile pressure vessels. These inspections are mandatory during the annual inspection for Rule 18 certification and periodic inspection for Rule 19 certification under the Static and Mobile Pressure Vessels (Unfired) Rules, 2016. The step follows several road accidents where IEFCV dislodgment led to fire and explosions. Competent persons and Third Party Inspection Agencies (TPIA) must now verify the IEFCV and its coupling using calibrated ring and plug gauges. If threads of the valve or coupling are damaged, they must be replaced immediately. Oil marketing companies must visually check the IEFCV before filling compressed gas into mobile tankers. Any loose or insecure joint must result in halting the filling process, as required under Condition 7 of the LS-2 licence. These actions ensure compliance with PESO safety norms and prevent potential fire hazards in gas transport operations.

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Summary: The Ministry of Textiles has issued amendments to the Production Linked Incentive (PLI) Scheme for Textiles to ease implementation challenges and support industry growth. The revised scheme introduces additional MMF apparel and fabric products eligible for incentives, as listed in new annexures. Existing applicants can reapply with a fresh investment of at least 15% of the prescribed minimum threshold for their segment. For new applicants, the minimum investment requirement remains Rs 150 crore under Part I and Rs 50 crore under Part II of the scheme. The earlier condition mandating company formation before investment has been replaced, companies can now set up distinct project units with distinct accounts. From FY 2025-26 onwards, the minimum incremental turnover requirement is reduced from 25% to 10% from the second performance year onward. In addition, new applications will be accepted up to FY 2025-26, while incentives will continue until FY 2028-29. The amendments aim to boost flexibility and promote sustained textile sector investments.

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Summary: The Central Government has formally notified the Greenhouse Gas Emissions Intensity Target Rules, 2025, under the Environment (Protection) Act, 1986. These rules establish clear emission intensity targets for responsible entities as part of India’s Carbon Credit Trading Scheme, 2023. The targets, defined in terms of tCO2e per product output, aim to regulate and minimize greenhouse gas emissions in line with national sustainability goals. Under the new framework, entities will have to achieve annual emission targets, register under the Indian Carbon Market Portal, and submit compliance documents. Entities achieving lower emissions will receive carbon credit certificates, while entities failing to fulfill the targets will have to purchase additional credits to make up for their loss. Non-compliance will attract environmental compensation, calculated as twice the average trading price of carbon credits for that year. The Bureau of Energy Efficiency will issue credits and monitor performance, while the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) will impose penalties for violations. These regulations reinforce India's commitment to a low-carbon economy through a market-based regulatory approach.

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Summary: The Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI) has proposed significant changes to the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018, aimed at enhancing the safety of food contact materials. The draft, titled Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Amendment Regulations, 2025, calls for a ban on poly- and perfluoroalkyl substances (PFAs) in food packaging production. Furthermore, the use of polycarbonate and epoxy resins in food contact materials must no longer contain Bisphenol A (BPA) or its derivatives. Both PFAs and BPA have been linked with serious health concerns such as hormonal imbalances and long-term health risks. This step by FSSAI signifies a shift towards implementing globally accepted safety standards and science-based risk assessments in food packaging. The draft regulation is now open for public comments or objections for 60 days from the date of its Gazette publication. FSSAI encourages all stakeholders, industry members, and consumers to participate by submitting their feedback, which will be reviewed prior to finalizing the amendments.

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Summary: The Central Drugs Standard Control Organisation (CDSCO) and the Directorate General of Health Services (DGHS) have issued a circular emphasizing strict compliance with the Drugs Rules, 1945, for testing raw materials and finished formulations. Recent child deaths in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, allegedly linked to contaminated cough syrups, highlighted concerns about medicine quality. Inspections revealed that some pharmaceutical manufacturers fail to test each batch of excipients, active, and inactive ingredients before production. The Drugs Rules, including rule 74(c) and rule 78(c)(ii), require licensees to test all raw materials and finished products in their own or approved laboratories.  Manufacturers must maintain proper records as per Schedule U. State and UT Drug Controllers are instructed to monitor compliance through inspections, issue circulars, and ensure manufacturers follow robust vendor qualification systems. Only reliable, approved suppliers should provide raw materials and excipients. This measure ensures the safety, quality, and efficacy of medicines, prevents the distribution of substandard drugs, and protects public health. Compliance and vigilant monitoring are critical to maintaining pharmaceutical standards nationwide.