Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA), Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to launch pilot Niveshak Shivir in Pune.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) and Investor Education and Protection Fund Authority (IEPFA) are set to launch a pilot investor camp in Pune in the month of June, to address issued related to unclaimed dividends and shares.
Key Takeaways:
- The initiative aims to serve as a one-stop solution for investors to resolve issues related to unclaimed dividends and shares.
- The pilot offer to direct facilitation of unclaimed dividends and shares held for six to seven years on the spot update of Know Your Customer (KYC) and nomination and resolution of pending IEPFA claim issues.
- The initiative is part of IEPFA’s broader efforts to enhance financial literacy, boost investor confidence and ensure a transparent and efficient mechanism for investor protection.
- IEPFA operates under MCA (Ministry of Corporate Affairs).
2025 Amendment to Bar Council of India (BCI) Rules on Practice by Foreign Law Firms and Lawyers in India
The 2022 Rules opened the door for foreign lawyers and foreign law firms to practice foreign and international laws in India in non-litigious matters, including legal advisory, corporate transactions and international commercial arbitration.
Key Takeaways:
- The objects and reasons of the 2022 Rules state that they had been introduced to enable foreign lawyers to practice foreign law in India.
- The 2022 Rules also prescribed a “fly-in, fly-out” exception, where the unregistered foreign lawyers and law firms could provide legal advice to Indian clients on foreign/ international law.
- The 2025 Amendment is advanced in the same direction, striking a balance between offering foreign law firms and lawyers to access to markets in India.
- The stringent conditions of the 2025 Amendment may seem like an initial hurdle, more foreign lawyers and law firms are looking to enter and participate in permissible legal activities in India.
IBBI introduces Non-submissions of Repayment Plan strengthening Insolvency Resolution Process
The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (‘IBBI’) notified the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Personal Guarantors to Corporate Debtors) (Amendment) Regulations, 2025 revising the provisions of insolvency resolution process.
Key Takeaways:
- By amending the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (Insolvency Resolution Process for Personal Guarantors to Corporate Debtors) Regulations, 2019, a stricter norm relating to repayment plan is introduced by IBBI for the efficient debt resolution and to allow the Authority to assess insolvency process.
- Non-submissions of repayment plan by the debtors in insolvency cases will be addressed by this regulation, with the aim to avoid delays in repayments.
- The amendment aims to streamline the insolvency proceedings by mandating timely submissions of repayment plan reducing uncertainties.
- Debtors will now seek to settle their obligations through negotiated agreements by offering creditors security.
The Centre notifies New Pension Rule for Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) Employees
The Central government has amended pension regulations affecting Public Sector Undertaking (PSU) employees.
Key Takeaways:
- Under the newly notified Central Civil Services (Pension) Amendment Rules, 2025, PSU employees who are dismissed or removed due to misconduct after being absorbed from government service now risk losing their pension benefits and entitlements accrued during their previous government service.
- The change is incorporated under Rule 37(29C) of the CCS (Pension) Rules, 2021, tightening disciplinary measures.
- Previously, absorbed employees retained pension benefits even if dismissed from the PSU; the new rule removes this protection.
- The rule applies to employees who were initially appointed to government service on or before December 31, 2003, and later absorbed into PSUs.
