Legal Bites March 2024: Monthly Legal Updates

Here are Legal Bites March 2024 monthly GK updates. The notable happenings of the months were related to the apex court, Flipkart UPI, E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, same-sex marriage legalised in Thailand and so on. We have covered all the happenings in the gist so that it helps the readers to remember all legal and current updates about March 2024 most efficiently and easily.

1. National Birth Defect Awareness Month 2024 launched by Dr. V.K Paul, Member NITI Aayog

On 1st March 2024, the National Birth Defect Awareness Month was launched as part of Pradhan Mantri Jan Arogya Yojana an aspirational scheme which covers half of India’s health and that can be instrumental in child health. The theme for the same was: “Breaking Barriers: inclusive support for children with birth defects”.

2. Flipkart UPI: Launch of Flipkart digital payments service

On 3rd March 2024, Flipkart in partnership with Axis Bank launched its UPI services. The service is set to assist its customers in making UPI payments without switching to other applications.

3. Differentiation in Leave Encashment Exemption for Government Employees upheld by Patna High Court

On 4th March 2024, it was ruled by Patna High Court by Chief Justice K. Vinod Chandran and Justice Rajiv Roy that any differences between non-government and government employees with regards to exemptions of leave encashment are not violative of Article 14 of the Constitution of India.

4. Strict Actions called for false rape accusations by Delhi High Court

On 4th March 2024, the Delhi High Court bench presided by Additional Sessions Judge Jagmohan Singh stated the importance of strict action to be taken against those women who are misusing the protection and rights granted to them by laws through false rape accusations.

5. Guidelines issued by CPCB for the promotion of community boilers for clusters of small-scale industries

On 6th March 2024, the CPCB released guidelines for promoting community boilers for clusters of small-scale industries. Key steps for new and existing industrial centres have been introduced through the guidelines. An industrial cluster-level committee shall conduct feasibility studies in collaboration with the SPCB or PCC to identify suitable cluster locations, land availability, and the required number and capacity of boilers.

6. First underwater metro line launched in Kolkata

On 6th March, India’s Prime Minister, Narendra Modi inaugurated Kolkata Metro’s Esplanade-Howrah Maidan section which is the country’s first underwater transportation tunnel. The stretch is 4.8 km long and is part of the East-West Corridor. It has been built at a cost of ₹4,965 crore.

7. No requirement of exams for Retired High Court Judges or State Consumer Forum President Role

On 7th March 2024, The Supreme Court stated that in case any retired High Court judges are to be appointed as Presidents of State Consumer Disputes Redressal Commissions, they will not be asked to appear for any examinations or viva-voce. This is an attempt to streamline the process of appointment along with increasing efficiency and effectiveness.

8. Approval by cabinet for the addition of Dearness Allowance and Dearness Relief to Central Government employees and pensioners

On 7th March 2024, it was approved by the Union Cabinet that it shall allow for an additional instalment of dearness allowance to central government employees and pensioners.

The same is set to provide benefits to 49.18 lakh Central Government employees and 67.95 lakh pensioners.

9. Notification of E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2024 published

On 8th March 2024, the MoEF&CC published the E-Waste (Management) Amendment Rules, 2024, amending the E-Waste (Management) Rules, 2022, with immediate effect. Through the amendment, the new definition of 'dismantler' has been introduced to include those engaged in the dismantling of used electrical and electronic equipment and components thereof, as per CPCB guidelines; among other changes being made through it.

10. Inauguration of ‘Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre’

On 8th March 2024, the Krishi Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC) was inaugurated by the Agriculture Minister for the Union at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. The same is set to encourage the juxtaposition of agriculture and technology.

11. Use of UPI permitted for making payments to Nepalese merchants

On 8th March 2024, it was announced by NPCI (National Payments Corporation of India) that UPI can now be used for making payments to neighbouring country Nepal. The scanning of QR codes and making payments can now be done for Nepalese merchants.

11. Digital Banking in India to be enabled by Dvara Money & Jana Small Finance Bank

On 10th March 2024, it was announced that Dvara Money and Jana Small Finance Bank will be partnering for a project involving combining DM’s Spark Money platform with the technological capabilities of Jana SFB.

12. Permission to file modified ITR or business reorganization from June 16 to March 22 until June 30, 2024

On 11th March 2024, the Central Board for Direct Taxes announced that the entities whose scheme of business reorganization was sanctioned by the competent authority vide orders dated before 01.04.2022 have been allowed through their successor companies to submit modified returns for the relevant assessment year.

13. Merger of Aditya Birla Finance with parent organisation

On 11th March 2024, it was announced by Aditya Birla Finance that it shall be merging with its parent organisation. The motive for the same is to provide large unified operating non-banking finance company (NBFC). Post-merger, Aditya Birla Capital would become an operating NBFC.

14. Introduction of Energy Conservation Policy 2023-2028 by Andhra Pradesh

On 11th March 2024, the Andhra Pradesh Energy Efficiency and Energy Conservation Policy 2023-2028 was notified by the Andhra Pradesh government. The main goal of the policy is to effectively implement the Energy Conservation Act, 2001.

15. Mumbai ITAT stated that no TDS liability for the previous year if a taxpayer is unaware of subsequent TDS Certificate Issued by the Depositor

On 12th March 2024, it was ruled by the Mumbai ITAT that there must not be imposed liability for TDS where the taxpayer was unaware of the TDS certificate being forwarded by the depositor. There was further a notation that no demand must be imposed if income taxes have been paid by the recipient.

16. Board exams halted by Supreme Court for classes 5,8,9,11 in Karnataka

On 12th March 2024, the apex court halted the board examinations for classes 5,8,9 and 11 stating that there might be ongoing a violation or there might be a potential violation of Section 30 of the Right to Education Act. The court highlighted that if the exams had previously been held illegal by a single judge bench, they should not have been held.

17. New 14A and 15A tables in GSTR 1 introduced by GSTIN

On 12th March 2024, an advisory was issued to all the taxpayers by GSTIN informing them about the introduction of tables 14A and 15A. The same has been done to capture the amendment details of the supplies made through e-commerce operators (ECO) on which e-commerce operators are liable to collect tax under section 52 or liable to pay tax u/s 9(5).

18. “Congress” permitted by the Delhi High Court to file a stay application before ITAT

On 13th March 2024, the Delhi High Court held that ITAT had carefully examined the various contentions and challenges which stood raised and expressed a prima facie opinion, which alone was required while considering an application for a stay. Thus, since 48% of outstanding demand has been recovered, a fresh application for stay can be filed.

19. Approval for signing of MoU between India and Bhutan for Food Safety

On 13th March 2024, the Union Cabinet has thereby given a green signal for the signing of an MoU between India and Bhutan for food safety. The agreement is also set to promote and encourage trade between the two neighbouring countries.

20. Bombay High Court ordered the department to allow the Assessee’s request to amend/rectify a genuine mistake in Form DRC 03

On 13th March 2024, the Bombay High Court passed a ruling whereby it held that where the assessee has made a bonafide error in Form DRC-03 regarding the financial year for ITC reversal under the new GST regime, the Revenue should permit the assessee to amend forms to reflect the correct financial year as there would be no loss of Revenue.

21. Last date fixed by CPCB for registration of producer, importer, brand owner and plastic waste processor on the Centralized Extended Producer Responsibility portal

On 14th March 2024, a notice was issued by the CPCB whereby it provided an opportunity for Producers, Importers & Brand Owners (PIBOs) and Plastic Waste Processors (PWPs) to obtain registrations on the Centralized EPR portal for plastic packaging by 31 March 2024.

22. Notification of Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules, 2024

On 14th March 2024, the MoEF&CC published the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Amendment Rules, 2024 to amend the Hazardous and Other Wastes (Management and Transboundary Movement) Rules, 2016, with effect from 1 April 2024. Through this amendment, the definition of 'deposition centre has been introduced. The amendment among other changes also states that the requirement for deposition centres has to obtain authorisation from the SPCB or Pollution Control Committee (PCC).

23. Notification of Battery Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024 published

On 14th March 2024, the MoEF&CC published the Battery Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024 amending the Battery Waste Management Rules, 2022, with immediate effect. As per the amendment, the CPCB is now responsible for setting the highest and lowest prices for Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) certificates.

24. Notification of Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024 published

On 14th March 2024, MoEF&CC published the Plastic Waste Management (Amendment) Rules, 2024 to amend the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, with immediate effect. A few changes that are set to be made via the amendment include: the definition of an importer, manufacturer and producer under the Plastic Waste Management Rules, 2016, definition of 'seller' has been introduced.

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25. Supreme Court’s reverse decision on royalty paid by Mining operators being tax

On 14 March 2024, the apex court in the case Mineral Area Development Authority etc v. Steel Authority of India and Ors. reversed its previous decision regarding royalties paid by Mining operators being taxed. The said case is the oldest pending case of the 9-judge bench. Another major issue involved in this case is whether State governments are deprived of powers to tax and regulate mines and minerals due to the Mines and Minerals (Development & Regulation) Act.

26. Delhi High Court E-filing Rules, 2021 notified by the Delhi Government

On 14th March 2024, the Delhi Government notified the E-filing rules of the Delhi High Court which are to come into effect from 1st April 2024. The said rules shall apply to all cases on civil jurisdiction (including Family Court cases) and all Criminal Complaint cases in all District Courts in Delhi.

27. Extension of timelines for Foreign Portfolio Investors by SEBI for disclosing any material changes

On 15th March 2024, through its Board meeting held on the same date, SEBI disclosed a list of proposals to ease regulatory requirements and streamline business operations for Foreign Portfolio Investors (FPIs). Thus, the same included an extension of the timeline as stated above.

28. Notification of Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2024

On 15th March 2024, the Patents (Amendment) Rules, 2024 were notified by the Ministry of Commerce and Industry (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade). The new rules by way of amendment seek to bring about substantial changes to align with international standards, promote innovations among innovators, and protect their rights.

29. Introduction of Rising India Fund by Tata AIA

On 18th March 2024, the launch of the Rising India Fund was done by Tata AIA. The Rising India Fund aims to invest in pivotal sectors and companies to contribute to the growth and success of Indian infrastructure, manufacturing, banking and defence sectors.

30. Refusal by the Supreme Court to direct electoral bonds disclosure sold between 1 March 2018 and 12 April 2019

On 18th March 2024, it was denied by the Supreme Court that no details of disclosure regarding electoral bonds that have been sold between 1 March 2018 and 12 April 2019. It was reasoned by the court that post interim order of the year 2019, donors were already aware of the requirements for disclosure and that altering the date at this point would lead to alteration of the judgement in a substantive manner.

31. Constitution of Joint Committee by NGT for assessing methane emissions from landfill sites

On 19th March 2024, directions were passed by the principal bench of the National Green Tribunal whereby a joint committee has been set to be established for furnishing an elaborate report on methane emissions from landfill sites mentioned in the news,5 in Central Mumbai, Pune and Kalyan in Maharashtra; Ahmedabad and Surat in Gujarat; Barmer, Jaisalmer, Taranagar and Chirawa in Rajasthan; and in Nazira, Dibrugarh-Tinsukia in Assam, in an original application registered suo moto.

32. Change of IPL Team “Royal Challengers Bangalore” to “Royal Challengers Bangaluru”

On 19th March 2024, the team announced its change of name to “Royal Challengers Bangaluru”. Further, Former RCB and India pacer Vinay Kumar was inducted into the RCB Hall of Fame.

33. Summarisation of factors for deciding term of sentence of convicts as mandatory to undergo by the Supreme Court

On 20th March 2024, the apex court summarized the factors to be considered for the decision of the sentences that the convicts must go through before seeking remission in murder cases. The factors thus mentioned include the nature of injuries, the number of deceased victims, and the criminal antecedents of the accused.

34. Supreme Court orders exemption to liner projects from previous environmental clearance

On 21st March 2024, the apex court in the case Noble M. Paikada v. Union of India and Ors. through its order, set aside item 6 present in the notification issued by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change. The said notification was published on 28 March 2020. The item which has thus been omitted granted an exemption to the linear projects such as roads, pipelines, etc., from obtaining prior environmental clearance (EC) for extracting sourcing or borrowing ordinary earth.

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35. Modification of SC’s order concerning laying of underground transmission lines in the Priority Area and Potential Area of the habitat of Great Indian Bustard

On 21st March 2024, the apex court in the case of M.K. Ranjitsinh and Ors. v Union of India and Ors. distinguished between the Priority and Potential Areas of the Great Indian Bustard and mandated the laying of underground transmission lines to protect the Great Indian Bustard. Through this, the court has now restricted injuncting underground transmission lines to 13163 km of the Priority Area only.

36. Order for transfer of proceedings from Delhi Trade Marks Registry by Madras High Court

On 21st March 2024, in the case of Nippon Paint Holdings Co. Ltd. & Anr. v. Mr. Suraj Sharma & Anr. It was allowed by the Madra High Court concerning the transfer of rectification proceedings in application which was previously pending before Delhi Trade Marks Registry. The Court permitted the application holding that there is no statutory bar as of date for directing such transfer.

37. National Champions won by Hockey Haryana Women

On 23rd March 2024, Hockey Haryana won the National Championship by defeating Hockey Maharashtra by 3-0 in a shoot-out. They have thus won the 14th Hockey India senior women’s National championship at Pimpri.

38. Corporate entities are allowed to file consumer complaints under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986

On 23rd March 2024, the apex court stated that corporate entities are now allowed to file consumer complaints under the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. The court has also stated that a corporate entity can be treated as a ‘person’ for the filing of consumer complaints.

39. Restrictions in Florida on Social Media usage by Minors

On 26th March 2024, it was held by Florida Governor Ron DeSantis that parental permission would be required for 14- and 15-year-olds to create accounts on platforms like Meta, TikTok, and others.

40. Appointment of Pavan Davuluri to learn Microsoft’s Windows and Surface Teams

On 26th March 2024, it was announced that Pavan Davuluri shall be positioned as the new head of the combined Windows and Surface teams. The position became vacant after the previous head that is, Panos Panay had left in 2023 to join Amazon.

41. Same-sex marriage legalised in Thailand

On 27th March 2024, the Lower House of Parliament in Thailand passed the bill for legalising same-sex marriage. This is a historic move by the country thereby fostering a more inclusive and widened approach towards the LGBTQ community.

42. Honorary Knighthood by Britain's King conferred to Sunil Bharti Mittal

On 28th March 2024, the Chairman of Bharti Enterprises who is also the founder thereof, that is Sunil Bharti Mittal thereby became the first Indian citizen to receive an Honorary Knighthood from United Kingdom's King Charles III.

43. Strengthening of India’s Parliamentary Delegation ties with Armenia

On 28th March 2024, the Indian Parliamentary Delegation which is headed by Deputy Chairman of Rajya Sabha Harivansh Narayan Singh met with counterparts of Armenia which was further represented by Vice President of the National Assembly, Hakob Arshakyan. The aim is to foster multilateral initiatives and emphasise the growing partnership between the two countries.

44. Delhi High Court rejects Arvind Kejriwal’s interim plea to be released from ED custody

The Delhi High Court has denied Arvind Kejriwal's request for interim release from Enforcement Directorate custody regarding a money laundering case linked to the defunct Delhi Excise Policy. The court stated it couldn't issue any orders without proper ED input. The next hearing is scheduled for April 3.

45. Advisory issued by Ministry of Corporate Affairs for filing of the e-form CSR 2 for the FY 2022-23

On 28th March 2024, the Ministry of Corporate Affairs released an advisory regarding the due date for companies to CSR forms for FY 2022-23. The same had to be filed on or before 31st March 2024 to avoid penalties or other penal action by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs.

46. Cancellation of Karvy’s merchant banker license by SEBI

On 28th March 2024, SEBI passed an order for cancellation of the license for merchant banking previously issued to Karvy. The bold step has been taken as a consequence of the eligibility criteria breach by Karvy. This decision was taken in furtherance of the inspection conducted from March 15-to 17.

47. Notification of a 3-10% hike in MGNREGA wage rates by Centre

On 28th March 2024, the centre notified the increase in MGNREGA wage rates by 3-10% which is a major step ahead of the 2024 polls. Uttar Pradesh and Uttarakhand will see the lowest increase at 3%, while Goa will have the highest increase of 10.6%

48. Record high reached by India’s foreign exchange reserves

On 30th March 2024, it was witnessed that India’s foreign exchange reserves reached a record high of $642.631 billion as of the last week of March 2024. The same was published as reported by the Reserve Bank of India.

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