Law Updates

On June 17, 2025, the Ministry of Labour and Employment issued a notification declaring the services of the Lead and Zinc Mining Industry as a public utility service. This declaration follows the previous notification dated November 6, 2024, which granted the same status for six months, starting November 9, 2024. The government has now extended this status for another six months.

According to the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, services related to industries listed under the First Schedule, including Lead and Zinc Mining, are categorized as public utility services. This move is taken in the public interest to ensure uninterrupted services in the industry, especially during periods of potential labor disputes. The government exercised its powers under section 2(n)(vi) of the Industrial Disputes Act to extend the status.

This extension will help maintain peace and stability in the Lead and Zinc Mining sector, reducing the likelihood of strikes or disruptions. The government’s decision emphasizes the importance of this industry to the nation’s economy and aims to safeguard its continued operation.

This update applies from the date of publication of the notification in the Official Gazette. The declaration is vital for both employers and employees within the sector, ensuring that the mining industry’s operations are not hindered by industrial disputes.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment, through a notification dated on June 17, 2025, granted the coal industry as a public utility service under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, for an additional period of six-months effective from June 28, 2025. This extension is made under the proviso to sub-clause (vi) of clause (n) of section 2 of the Act.

The coal industry is listed under Item 4 of the First Schedule to the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947. It was earlier given a public utility service for six months commencing from December 28, 2024, according to the notification issued on December 11, 2024. The Central Government, satisfied that such continuity is in the public interest, has prolonged the status further to ensure uninterrupted functioning of services in the sector.

With this expansion, the strict industrial disputes resolution mechanism apply to the coal industry. Any strike in this sector would entail advance notice and adherence to the procedure laid down under the Act. Its purpose is to maintain smooth operations in a key industry that supports the country’s energy supply and industrial stability. The declaration seeks to protect crucial services and reduce those disruptions that can affect public safety and economic continuity.

The Ministry of Labour and Employment has issued a notification regarding the extension of public utility service status to industries involved in manufacturing or producing nuclear fuel, heavy water, allied chemicals, and atomic energy. This decision follows the provisions of the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947.

On 17th June 2025, the government confirmed that the services of this industry will continue to be classified as a public utility service for an additional six months. The extension is effective from 28th June 2025. The industry was first declared a public utility service on 11th December 2024 for a six-month period, starting from 28th December 2024.

This move aims to ensure uninterrupted service in vital sectors related to nuclear fuel and atomic energy, contributing to national security and energy production. It is in line with the government's efforts to prioritize essential services and maintain stability in critical industries.

By extending the public utility service status, the government intends to prevent strikes or disruptions that could impact these industries' operations. The extension of this status ensures that the industry remains regulated under the Industrial Disputes Act, 1947, which provides mechanisms to address industrial disputes effectively.

This notification strengthens the government's commitment to safeguarding public interest, especially in sectors crucial for the country’s energy and security needs.

The Ministry of Commerce and Industry issued a corrigendum on June 16, 2025, correcting an earlier order from May 5, 2025. The correction changes the reference from the standard “IS 5485:1997” to “IS 5484:1997” in the official government document published in the Gazette of India. This update ensures accurate compliance with industry standards under the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade. Businesses and stakeholders should note this correction for regulatory clarity. The correction supports better industry regulation and promotes proper adherence to Indian Standards (IS), enhancing transparency and legal compliance in trade and commerce.

The Recycling of Ships Act, 2019 (49 of 2019) is an important legislative framework designed to regulate and encourage safe, environmentally sound recycling of ships in India. A substantial update has been made under Section 4 of the Act, which focuses on the proper appointment of skilled authorities to oversee the process of recycling of ships in each State or Union Territory.

As per the revised guidelines, the Maritime Board of each concerned State or Union Territory will be appointed as the Competent Authority responsible for supervising the ship recycling activities within its jurisdiction. In the absence of the Maritime Board, the relevant department accountable for ship recycling matters shall take on this role. These authorities will be tasked with ensuring compliance with the provisions specified in Rule 4 of the Recycling of Ships Rules, 2021. This rule controls the administrative and regulatory processes related with ship recycling, including compliance to safety and environmental standards.

The designated authorities will be responsible for ensuring that ship recycling methods meet regulatory requirements, safeguarding both environmental protection and worker safety.

This amendment represents a significant step towards decentralizing the governance over ship recycling activities, empowering each State or Union Territory with a designated body to regulate and oversee these operations within their boundaries. It improves local responsiveness and strengthens India’s ability to manage ship recycling in a sustainable and compliant manner. By engaging regional authorities, the law aims to simplify administrative processes, mitigate delays, and ensure that ship recycling methods comply with environmental and safety standards.

In accordance with the powers conferred under paragraph 2.04 of the Foreign Trade Policy (FTP) 2023, the Director General of Foreign Trade (DGFT) has issued an amendment regarding the authorized agencies listed under Appendix 2E of the policy. This amendment specifically relates to the agency authorized to issue a certificate of origin (Non-Preferential), which is an important document in international trade that ensures the country of origin of exported goods.

As per the update, the name of the previously listed agency, 'The Sports Goods Export Promotion Council', has duly been changed to 'Sports Goods & Toys Export Promotion Council'. Along with the name change, the agency address and contact details have also been revised. These changes will be effective immediately and will be reflected in the official records and proceedings concerning the issuance of non-preferential certificates of origin.

This amendment ensures that the updated name and contact information of the relevant agency correctly appears in the Foreign Trade Policy documentation. The revision develops the clarity and aligns the agency’s position with its broader mandate, which now includes both sports equipment and toys. It also facilitates a smooth trade documentation process for exporters, ensuring that stakeholders are referencing to the correct authority for the issuance of Certificates of Origin (Non-Preferential). Timely updates support the consistent performance and credibility of India’s export certification system.