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The Department of Telecommunications (DoT) has notified rules introducing a new authorisation regime under the Telecommunications Act, 2023, replacing the earlier licence-based system. The framework provides a single authorisation for telecom services, simplifying compliance and enabling easier entry for operators. Existing licence holders can migrate, while new applicants will use a single-window process. The rules also mandate AI-based fraud prevention, cybersecurity measures, data localisation, and compliance requirements. The move aims to modernise telecom regulation and support emerging technologies like satellite services. “The new authorisation framework is one of the most important telecom regulatory reforms in recent years. By replacing the legacy licensing regime with a streamlined authorisation structure, the government aims to simplify compliance and better accommodate evolving technologies. The focus will now shift to implementation and whether the new framework delivers the regulatory certainty and the ease of doing business that this sector has been seeking,” said Tony Verghese, partner at JSA Advocates and Solicitors. Read more

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The article discusses the challenges in introducing longer-tenure derivatives in India, highlighting concerns around liquidity and retail participation. While longer contracts could reduce speculative trading and protect retail investors, experts warn they may weaken market depth due to lower trading activity. SEBI is evaluating ways to expand derivative maturities beyond weekly and monthly expiries. Market participants believe maintaining liquidity, improving investor awareness, and balancing regulation with market efficiency will be crucial for successful implementation. “Institutional investors are savvy and can adapt to new products quickly. They would welcome the introduction of such contracts, particularly from a hedging perspective,” said Pulkit Sukhramani, partner at JSA Advocates & Solicitors. Read more

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India’s new labour code requires employers to provide appointment letters detailing key employment terms such as job role, workplace, salary, benefits, joining date, duties, and social security coverage. This aims to increase transparency, reduce disputes, and provide employees with clear proof of employment. The requirement particularly benefits workers in informal sectors by formalizing employment relationships and strengthening access to legal protections and workplace benefits. Employees are advised to keep these documents safely, as they can be important for resolving future employment-related disputes. Preetha Soman, Partner, JSA Advocates & Solicitors, explained to ET Wealth Online that the old labour law and its rules mandated a prescribed standard appointment letter only in limited and sector-specific circumstances. But now this has been extended to all companies. Read more

The new labour codes mandate employers to provide standardised appointment letters, detailing key employment terms. This requirement, now applicable across all sectors, aims to reduce ambiguity, protect workers, and enhance transparency, particularly benefiting those in informal and semi-organised sectors. Preetha Soman, Partner, JSA Advocates & Solicitors, explained: “The old labour law and its rules mandated a prescribed standard appointment letter only in limited and sector-specific circumstances. But now this has been extended to all companies.”Read more

SEBI has reintroduced the open-market share buyback route through stock exchanges, giving India Inc. greater flexibility in managing surplus cash and capital allocation. The move allows listed companies to repurchase shares directly from the market, alongside the existing tender offer method. The decision follows changes in taxation rules that addressed earlier concerns around unequal treatment of shareholders. The reform is expected to improve price discovery, simplify buybacks, and help companies efficiently return capital to shareholders. “Permitting open market buybacks represents a significant benefit for companies, as repurchases are executed at prevailing market prices rather than at a predetermined fixed price. This mechanism can be especially beneficial for companies whose current stock price does not fully reflect the underlying value of their business,” said Bir Bahadur Singh Sachar, Partner at JSA Advocates & Solicitors.Read more

SEBI’s board has approved the return of the open-market share buyback route through stock exchanges from August 1. The move will allow listed companies to repurchase shares directly from the market, providing greater flexibility in capital management and shareholder returns. The revised framework includes safeguards such as a 66-day completion timeline, promoter shareholding restrictions and measures to ensure investor protection. The decision aims to improve transparency, simplify buyback execution and enhance efficiency in India’s capital markets. On the announcement, Bir Bahadur Singh Sachar – Partner, JSA Advocates & Solicitors noted that “Permitting open market buybacks represents a significant benefit for companies, as repurchases are executed at prevailing market prices rather than at a predetermined fixed price. This mechanism can be especially beneficial for companies whose current stock price does not fully reflect the underlying value of their business.” Pulkit Sukhramani – Partner, JSA Advocates & Solicitors added that companies seeking to consolidate ownership and enhance stock value may find the open market buyback route particularly advantageous. “Buybacks conducted through stock exchanges not only reduce administrative burdens but also provide greater flexibility regarding both timing and pricing,” he said. Read more

SEBI has revived the open-market share buyback route through stock exchanges, with the new framework coming into effect from August 1. The move will allow listed companies to repurchase shares directly from the market, offering greater flexibility in capital allocation and shareholder returns. The revised rules include safeguards such as a 66-day timeline, promoter shareholding restrictions and public shareholding protection. SEBI has also approved a stricter code of conduct for its members and officials to enhance transparency and governance. Bir Bahadur Singh Sachar – Partner, JSA Advocates & Solicitors says: “Permitting open market buybacks represents a significant benefit for companies, as repurchases are executed at prevailing market prices rather than at a predetermined fixed price. This mechanism can be especially beneficial for companies whose current stock price does not fully reflect the underlying value of their business.” Read more

India’s capital markets regulator SEBI has approved the reintroduction of the open-market mechanism for share buybacks through stock exchanges, marking a reversal of its earlier stance on the route, officials said on Friday, June 19. Bir Bahadur Singh Sachar, Partner at JSA Advocates & Solicitors said, “Permitting open market buybacks represents a significant benefit for companies, as repurchases are executed at prevailing market prices rather than at a predetermined fixed price.” He added that this mechanism can be especially beneficial for companies whose current stock price does not fully reflect the underlying value of their business. Pulkit Sukhramani, Partner at JSA Advocates & Solicitors said, “Companies seeking to consolidate ownership and enhance stock value may find the open market buyback route particularly advantageous.” He further added that buybacks conducted through stock exchanges reduce administrative burdens and provide greater flexibility regarding both timing and pricing. Read more

SEBI has reintroduced the stock exchange route for open-market buybacks, enhancing flexibility for companies amid a surge in buyback announcements. This route allows purchases at market prices and benefits from recent tax changes. Major companies have announced substantial buyback plans, indicating a strong trend in capital returns to shareholders. Pulkit Sukhramani, Partner at JSA Advocates & Solicitors, said: “Companies seeking to consolidate ownership and enhance stock value may find the open market buyback route particularly advantageous. Buybacks conducted through stock exchanges not only reduce administrative burdens but also provide greater flexibility regarding both timing and pricing.”. Read more

This story also appeared Online.

India’s temporary Telegram ban, aimed at preventing exam fraud, spurred VPN and alternative app downloads, raising cybersecurity concerns. Experts suggest that platform bans are temporary fixes and advocate for intelligence sharing and targeted enforcement. The debate now focuses on balancing cybercrime control with maintaining digital security and access for legitimate users. “While emergency platform bans can disrupt illicit networks in the short term, they are ultimately a stopgap measure rather than a sustainable enforcement strategy,” said Probir Roy Chowdhury, Partner at JSA Advocates & Solicitors. He noted that cybercriminals often migrate quickly to alternative platforms, decentralised networks or the dark web. A more sustainable response, he suggested, would involve stronger collaboration between law enforcement agencies and technology companies through threat intelligence sharing, metadata analysis and targeted content removal. Read more

The new labour code simplifies compliance by consolidating multiple laws into a single framework, introducing electronic filings, and providing clearer guidelines. It benefits employees with expanded protections and formalisation of employment, while employers gain a streamlined compliance process. Read more

The new Labour Codes introduce several employee-friendly changes aimed at improving workplace conditions and benefits. Key reforms include wider social security coverage, recognition and protection for gig and platform workers, and stronger benefits for fixed-term employees, including equal wages and gratuity eligibility after one year. The codes also bring clearer wage definitions, mandatory appointment letters, improved workplace safety norms, and better grievance mechanisms. These reforms consolidate 29 labour laws into four codes to modernise employment regulations and strengthen worker protections. Preetha Soman, Partner, JSA Advocates & Solicitors, said to ET Wealth Online that the central government labour code rules put into action the Labour Codes, that collectively replace 29 fragmented central labour laws with a unified and coherent framework. Read more