The Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) (Amendment) Rules, 2026, notified on 9 September 2026 and effective from 1 January 2027 (“2026 Amendment”), introduce important changes to the consumer protection framework governing e-commerce entities, marketplaces, sellers and inventory entities under the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules, 2020 (“Rules”). The direction is clear: less room for platform discretion, more transparency for the consumer at every stage of the transaction.

The National Commission for Women (“NCW”) has issued an advisory on 19 June 2026 recommending significant measures to strengthen the implementation of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 ("POSH Act"). The advisory sends a clear message: POSH compliance is no longer just about constituting an Internal Committee — it is about demonstrating that your compliance framework actually works. What's New? 1. Mandatory Annu

1. Background Securities and Exchange Board of India (“SEBI”) issued an Informal Guidance Note[1] on 2 March 2026, confirming that a ‘cousin’ of a promoter group member does not fall within the definition of a 'relative' under the Companies Act, 2013 (“Act”). As a result, a cousin of a promoter group member is not automatically disqualified from being appointed as an Independent Director ("ID") on the board of a listed company. This article examines the basis for that clari