GRAFFITI #1

The Ministry of Labour & Employment has issued updated FAQs on 16.03.2026 clarifying key aspects of the four Labour Codes, which became effective from 21 November 2025. Under the Code on Wages, 2019, the definition of “wages” is now standardized across statutes, requiring wages to constitute at least 50% of total remuneration, with excess exclusions added back for statutory calculations; performance-based incentives remain excluded. The Code applies universally to all employees, and overtime must be computed based on this revised wage definition. Under the Code on Social Security, 2020, gratuity liability is expanded, including eligibility for fixed-term employees after one year of service, with contributions aligned to the revised wage structure. The FAQs also reiterate continued ESI threshold applicability and introduce coverage for gig and platform workers through aggregator contributions to a social security fund. Under the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, fixed-term employment benefits (including gratuity) are clarified, while under the OSH Code, 2020, working hours remain capped at 8 hours per day/48 hours per week with overtime at twice the wages, alongside clarified leave, encashment and welfare provisions (including gender-neutral crèche facilities).

Find the FAQs here: Additional FAQs on Labour Codes

GRAFFITI #2

The Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has issued an advisory under the Consumer Protection Act, 2019 cautioning hotels and restaurants against levying additional charges such as “LPG charges”, “gas surcharge” or “fuel cost recovery” in consumer bills. The Authority has termed such practices an unfair trade practice, noting that they are being imposed by default to bypass existing restrictions on service charges.

The CCPA clarified that operational costs such as fuel, LPG and electricity must be built into menu pricing and cannot be recovered through separate mandatory charges. It has directed that no such charges be levied automatically, and that menu prices should remain final, excluding only applicable taxes.

Non-compliance may attract enforcement action, with consumers encouraged to report violations through available grievance redressal mechanisms.

Find the PIB press release here: PIB Press Release

GRAFFITI #3

The Labour Department of Government of Puducherry has, by notification dated 15th March 2026, exempted all shops and establishments registered under the Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 from registration requirements under Section 7 and the applicability of the Puducherry Shops and Establishments Act, 1964.

The exemption is subject to continued compliance with obligations relating to occupational safety, health, working conditions, and statutory record-keeping under the OSH Code and applicable rules. Actions or proceedings initiated under the 1964 Act prior to the notification remain unaffected.

This move operationalises a single registration framework, significantly reducing compliance burdens and simplifying regulatory requirements for businesses in Puducherry. The notification comes into force upon publication in the Official Gazette.

Find the notification here: Labour Department Notification

GRAFFITI #4

The Bar Council of India (BCI) recently issued guidelines mandating compliance with the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (PoSH Act) across the legal profession, including law firms, chambers, and individual practitioners.

The guidelines require the constitution of Internal Committees (ICs) in applicable establishments and emphasise the extension of PoSH protections to interns, junior advocates, and other non-traditional workplace participants within the legal ecosystem. They also stress the need for awareness, training, and adoption of formal grievance redressal mechanisms.

Importantly, the BCI underscores that non-compliance may invite regulatory scrutiny, reinforcing that professional spaces within the legal sector must align with statutory obligations on workplace safety and dignity.

The move marks a significant step towards institutionalising PoSH compliance within the traditionally unstructured legal profession and promoting safer, more inclusive work environments.

Find the guidelines here: https://www.barcouncilofindia.org/info/guidelines-b9lkmh

GRAFFITI #5

FSSAI has issued a draft notification dated 30 March 2026 proposing amendments to the Food Safety and Standards (Food Products Standards and Food Additives) Regulations, 2011, to substitute references to the erstwhile Packaging and Labelling Regulations, 2011 with the Food Safety and Standards (Labelling and Display) Regulations, 2020 and the Food Safety and Standards (Packaging) Regulations, 2018. Stakeholder comments have been invited.

Find the notification here: Gazette notification of Draft FPS and FA Regulation 2026

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