Asia: Consumer Protection

Loan recovery is an essential part of lending operations, but the methods adopted by financial institutions to recover outstanding dues have often raised concerns regarding borrower privacy, harassment and the misuse of recovery mechanisms. The Reserve Bank of India (RBI), through the Reserve Bank of India (Non-Banking Financial Companies – Responsible Business Conduct) Third Amendment Directions, 2026, dated 6 August 2026, has introduced a comprehensive framework governing the recovery of loan dues by non-banking financial companies (NBFCs).

The relationship between financial institutions and borrowers extends beyond the mere advancement and repayment of loans. It involves transparency in financial transactions, fair treatment of customers, responsible recovery practices and accountability throughout the lending process.

Understanding how long unpaid debts remain on Australian credit reports is crucial for managing financial reputation and planning recovery from financial difficulty. This comprehensive guide examines retention periods for defaults, court judgments, bankruptcy information, and other credit listings, while explaining the regulatory framework that governs credit reporting in Australia.

upGrad operates in India and overseas across formal and non-formal education. In India, it provides study abroad services, partners with universities to offer certificate courses, offers upskilling courses, and provides internship and recruitment services. Sorting Hat, the Unacademy group, is present in non-formal education and test preparation.

Examination of Supreme Court’s Padam Mehta ruling establishing right to mother tongue education under Article 19(1)(a), directing Rajasthan to implement Rajasthani in schools per NEP 2020.

In Santosh B. Naik v. State of Goa & Ors., the Supreme Court considered how far a court can interfere with qualifications prescribed by a recruiting authority. The dispute concerned the post of Vocational Instructor (Practical) in the Plumber trade under the Government of Goa.

The Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (“KERC”) vide notification dated 14.08.2026 has invited stakeholder comments on the Draft Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (Electricity Supply) Regulations, 2026 (“Draft ESR”) . The Draft ESR are aimed at streamlining electricity connections and related consumer services across the State and consolidate several existing regulations into a single framework governing supply of electricity in the State. Stakeholders may submit their comments on the Draft ESR within 30 days from the date of notification in the Gazette.

On 29 September 2026, the Advertising Standards Council of India (ASCI) released the Guidelines for Responsible Labelling of Synthetically Generated Content in Advertising (Guidelines), following consultation on the draft guidelines issued in May 2026. The Guidelines set out labelling requirements for synthetic content in advertisements and identify prohibited use cases. The Guidelines come into effect three months after the date of publication (i.e., 29 December 2026).

Limitation of liability clauses are generally enforceable in India, but only within limits that the Indian Contract Act, 1872 and the courts have drawn. A cap on damages is treated as a legitimate allocation of commercial risk between informed parties; a clause that tries to excuse fraud, wilful misconduct or a deliberate breach, or that is imposed through unequal bargaining power, is far more likely to fail.

In a significant ruling between Food Safety and Standards Authority of India v. G. Subramania Koushik & Ors. addressing consumer awareness and food safety, the Madras High Court has upheld its earlier directions requiring precautionary labelling on plastic/PET-bottled drinking water and sugar and salt sold in plastic packaging, indicating the possible presence of microplastics and nanoplastics. The decision highlights the importance of consumer disclosure, particularly where scientific research has identified potential health concerns but the precise extent of the associated risks remains under investigation.

Pesky, promotional and unsolicited commercial communications can be intrusive and disruptive for consumers, particularly when received without their consent. They can result in consumers being constantly exposed to unwanted commercial messages, making it harder to distinguish important communications from promotional content. In some cases, such communications may also encourage unwanted purchases or expose consumers to potential fraud and other risks. In view thereof, Central Consumer Protection Authority (CCPA) has proposed a draft of the Guidelines for Prevention and Regulation of Pesky, Promotional and Unsolicited Commercial Communications, 2026 (Draft Guidelines).

On 9 September 2026, the Department of Consumer Affairs, Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, notified the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) (Amendment) Rules, 2026 (2026 Amendment), amending the Consumer Protection (E-Commerce) Rules 2020 (E-Commerce Rules).