India: Energy and Natural Resources

SC in Punjab State Power Corporation Limited v Talwandi Sabo Power Limited & Ors., 2026 INSC 515 , set aside the order of the APTEL and restored the penalty order of the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) against Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL).

The Electricity Act, 2003, vests tariff determination authority exclusively in State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs), while the Central Government retains policy-making power at the central level which provides benefit to both i.e., state and central power utilities. This includes the authority to design financial incentives aimed at promoting specific generation technologies.

By a notification dated May 18, 2026, the Ministry of Power brought into force, from June 1, 2026, the Jan Vishwas Act amendments under Schedule Serial No. 58. Consequently, certain provisions of the Electricity Act, 2003 stand amended.

This March 2026 legal newsletter examines pivotal judicial pronouncements and regulatory developments spanning arbitration, competition law, constitutional matters, insolvency proceedings, and environmental regulations. The comprehensive analysis explores how recent legal shifts impact businesses and professionals navigating India's dynamic regulatory environment across multiple practice areas including renewable energy, real estate, mining, and white collar crime.

India's energy, infrastructure, and natural resources sectors witnessed significant regulatory developments in February and March 2026, spanning power generation frameworks, oil and gas supply regulations, maritime investment mechanisms, and mineral governance reforms. Key measures include amendments to captive power plant rules, carbon credit trading regulations, enhanced consumer protection in petroleum distribution, and stricter environmental compliance standards for solar waste and plastic management.

On 30th March 2026, the Ministry of Mines, Government of India, exercising the powers conferred under Section 13 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 (“the Act”), promulgated the Mineral...

The DGTR issued final findings in the anti-dumping investigation into imports of Low Ash Metallurgical Coke from Australia, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan and Russia. The application for the initiation of the investigation was filed by Indian Metallurgical Coke Manufacturers Association. The Authority noted that the imports from the subject countries have increased significantly in absolute and relative terms

SC in Punjab State Power Corporation Limited v Talwandi Sabo Power Limited & Ors., 2026 INSC 515 , set aside the order of the APTEL and restored the penalty order of the Punjab State Electricity Regulatory Commission (PSERC) against Talwandi Sabo Power Limited (TSPL).

The Electricity Act, 2003, vests tariff determination authority exclusively in State Electricity Regulatory Commissions (SERCs), while the Central Government retains policy-making power at the central level which provides benefit to both i.e., state and central power utilities. This includes the authority to design financial incentives aimed at promoting specific generation technologies.

The Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals under the Ministry of Chemicals has temporarily suspended the operation of the following Quality Control Orders. The Orders have been suspended for a period of 3 months, from 1st April 2026 to 1st July 2026.

The DGTR issued final findings in the anti-dumping investigation into imports of Low Ash Metallurgical Coke from Australia, China, Colombia, Indonesia, Japan and Russia. The application for the initiation of the investigation was filed by Indian Metallurgical Coke Manufacturers Association. The Authority noted that the imports from the subject countries have increased significantly in absolute and relative terms

The Bureau of Indian Standards has notified the substitution of IS 1171: 2026 Ferromanganese — Specification (Sixth Revision) with effect from 27th March 2026. However, the previous unamended Standard will remain in force concurrently till 27th September 2026.