This newsletter contains various Compliance requirements for the Month of March, 2026 under various Statutory Laws.
In today’s rapidly evolving regulatory landscape, staying abreast of the latest compliance requirements is not just a best practice, but an absolute necessity. The sheer volume and complexity of regulations across various sectors can be daunting, and the consequences of non-compliance — ranging from hefty fines and reputational damage to legal penalties — underscore the critical importance of a proactive and informed approach.
“A robust Corporate Governance framework is the compass that guides an organization towards long-term success, ensuring transparency and accountability at every step.”
Compliance Requirement Under:
1. Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 (FEMA) and Important Notifications
2. Income Tax Act, 1961
3. Goods & Services Tax Act, 2017 (GST) and Important Updates / Circulars
4. Other Statutory Laws and Updates
5. SEBI (Listing Obligations & Disclosure Requirements) (LODR) Regulations, 2015
6. SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015
7. SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018
8. SEBI (Buyback of Securities) Regulations, 2018
9. SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations 2018) and Circulars / Notifications
10. Companies Act, 2013 (MCA/ROC Compliance) and Notifications
11. MSME Key Updates
12. Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) Updates
13. Cabinet Decisions / New Acts
14. Competition Commission of India (CCI) Updates
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- Key Compliances under FEMA / RBI
| Applicable Laws/Acts | Due Dates | Compliance Particulars | Forms / (Filing mode) |
| FEMA ACT 1999 | 15th July 2026 | Annual return on Foreign Liabilities and Assets (FLA) is required to be submitted by all the companies which have received FDI and/or made overseas investment in any of the previous year(s), including the current year. | FLA |
| FEMA ACT 1999 | Not later than 30 days from the date of issue of Capital instrument | FC-GPR is a form filed when the Indian company receives the Foreign Direct Investment and the company allots shares to a person resident outside India. | Form FC-GPR |
| FEMA ACT 1999 | Within 60 days of receipt/ remittance of funds or transfer of capital instruments whichever is earlier. | Reporting of transfer of shares and other eligible securities between residents and non-residents and vice- versa is to be made in Form FC-TRS. The onus of reporting shall be on the resident transferor/ transferee. | Form FC-TRS. |
| FEMA ACT 1999 | Within 30 days from the date of receipt of the amount of consideration. | A Limited Liability Partnership receiving amount of consideration and acquisition of profit shares is required to submit a report in the Form FDI LLP-1 | Form FDI LLP-I |
| FEMA ACT 1999 | within 60 days from the date of receipt of funds in | A Limited liability Partnership shall report disinvestment/ transfer of capital contribution or profit share between a resident and a non-resident (or vice versa) | Form FDI LLP-II |
| FEMA ACT 1999 | within 30 days from the date of allotment of capital instruments | The domestic custodian shall report the issue/ transfer/ of sponsored/ unsponsored depository receipts | Downstream statement -Form DI & reporting at FIFP too |
| FEMA ACT 1999 | 7th March, 2026 Within 7 working days of the end of the month to which it relates. | The borrowers are required to report actual ECB transactions through Form ECB- 2 Return through the AD Category I bank on monthly basis. | Form ECB 2 |
- RBI Circulars / Notifications: February, 2026
| Sl. | Particulars of the Circulars | Link |
| 1 | Reserve Bank of India (Non-Banking Financial Companies – Miscellaneous) Amendment Directions, 2026 | Click Here |
| 2 | Unique Transaction Identifier for OTC Derivative Transactions | Click here |
| 3 | Reporting under Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999 – Returns pertaining to External Commercial Borrowing (ECB) | Click here |
| 4 | Foreign Exchange Management (Borrowing and Lending) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2026 | Click here |
| 5 | Foreign Exchange Management (Borrowing and Lending) (First Amendment) Regulations, 2026 | Click here |
| 6 | Reserve Bank of India (Small Finance Banks – Financial Statements: Presentation and Disclosures) – Second Amendment Directions, 2026 | Click here |
| 7 | Reserve Bank of India (Small Finance Banks – Prudential Norms on Capital Adequacy) Second Amendment Directions, 2026 | Click Here |
| 8 | Reserve Bank of India (Small Finance Banks – Concentration Risk Management) Amendment Directions, 2026 | Click here |
| 9 | Reserve Bank of India (Small Finance Banks – Credit Facilities) Amendment Directions, 2026 | Click here |
| 10 | Reserve Bank of India (Commercial Banks – Undertaking of Financial Services) – Amendment Directions, 2026 | Click here |
| 11 | Reserve Bank of India (Commercial Banks – Credit Facilities) Amendment Directions, 2026 | Click here |
| 12 | Reserve Bank of India (Rural Co-operative Banks – Income Recognition, Asset Classification and Provisioning) Amendment Directions, 2026 | Click here |
| 13 | Strengthening of Grievance Redress Mechanism in Banks – Review | Click here |
| 14 | Lending to Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME) Sector (Amendment) Directions, 2026 | Click here |
| 15 | Voluntary Retention Route – Imparting predictability and increasing ease of doing business | Click here |
- Compliance requirement under Income Tax act, 1961
| Sl. | Compliance Particulars | Due Dates |
| 1 | Due date for furnishing of challan-cum-statement in respect of tax deducted under section 194M in the month of January, 2026 | 02.03.2026 |
| 2. | Fourth instalment of advance tax for the assessment year 2026-27 | 15.03.2026 |
| 3 | Due date for payment of whole amount of advance tax in respect of assessment year 2026-27 for assessee covered under presumptive scheme of section 44AD / section 44ADA | 15.03.2026 |
| 4 | Due date for furnishing of Form 24G by an office of the Government where TDS/TCS for the month of February, 2026 has been paid without the production of a Challan | 15.03.2026 |
| 5 | Due date for issue of TDS Certificate for tax deducted under section 194-IA in the month of January, 2026 | 17.03.2026 |
| 6 | Due date for issue of TDS Certificate for tax deducted under section 194-IB in the month of January, 2026 | 17.03.2026 |
| 7 | Due date for issue of TDS Certificate for tax deducted under section 194M in the month of January, 2026 | 17.03.2026 |
| 8 | Due date for issue of TDS Certificate for tax deducted under section 194S (by specified person) in the month of January, 2026 | 17.03.2026 |
| 9 | Due date for furnishing of challan-cum-statement in respect of tax deducted under section 194-IA in the month of February, 2026 | 30.03.2026 |
| 10 | Due date for furnishing of challan-cum-statement in respect of tax deducted under section 194-IB in the month of February, 2026 | 30.03.2026 |
| 11 | Due date for furnishing of challan-cum-statement in respect of tax deducted under section 194M in the month of February, 2026 | 30.03.2026 |
| 12 | Due date for furnishing of challan-cum-statement in respect of tax deducted under section 194S (by specified person) in the month of February, 2026 | 30.03.2026 |
| 13 | Country-By-Country Report in Form No. 3CEAD for the previous year 2024-25 by a parent entity or the alternate reporting entity, resident in India, in respect of the international group of which it is a constituent of such group | 31.03.2026 |
| 14 | Country-By-Country Report in Form No. 3CEAD for a reporting accounting year (assuming reporting accounting year is April 1, 2024 to March 31, 2025) by a constituent entity, resident in India, in respect of the international group of which it is a constituent if the parent entity is not obliged to file report under section 286(2) or the parent entity is resident of a country with which India does not have an agreement for exchange of the report etc. | 31.03.2026 |
| 15 | Uploading of statement [Form 67], of foreign income offered to tax and tax deducted or paid on such income in previous year 2024-25, to claim foreign tax credit [if return of income has been furnished within the time specified under section 139(1) or section 139(4) | 31.03.2026 |
| 16 | Furnishing of an updated return of income for the AY 2021-22 | 31.03.2026 |
- Important Notifications – For the month of Feb. – 2026:
- Key Notifications:
| Sl. | Particulars of the Notification(s) | File No. / Circular No. | Link(s) |
| 1. | Approval under Section 35 for Scientific Research – Income Tax Notification (S.O. 433(E)) | Notification No. 16/2026 | Click Here |
- Compliance Requirement under GST, 2017
A. Filing of GSTR –3B / GSTR 3B QRMP
a) Taxpayers having aggregate turnover > Rs. 5 Cr. in preceding FY
| Tax period | Due Date | Particulars |
| Feb., 2026 | 20th March, 2026 | Due Date for filling GSTR – 3B return for the month of Feb, 2026 for the taxpayer with Aggregate turnover exceeding INR 5 crores during previous year. |
b). Taxpayers having aggregate turnover upto Rs. 5 crores in preceding FY (Group A)
| Tax period | Due Date | Particulars | |
| Feb., 2026 | 22nd March, 2026 | Due Date for filling GSTR – 3B return for the month of Feb, 2026 for the taxpayer with Aggregate turnover upto INR 5 crores during previous year and who has opted for Quarterly filing of GSTR-3B | |
| Group A States: Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Karnataka, Goa, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Telangana, Andhra Pradesh, Daman & Diu and Dadra & Nagar Haveli, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Lakshadweep | |||
c). Taxpayers having aggregate turnover upto Rs. 5 crores in preceding FY (Group B)
| Tax period | Due Date | Particulars | |
| Feb., 2026 | 24th March, 2026 | Annual Turnover Up to INR 5 Cr in Previous FY But Opted Quarterly Filing | |
| Group B States: Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Uttarakhand, Haryana, Rajasthan, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Sikkim, Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, Mizoram, Tripura, Meghalaya, Assam, West Bengal, Jharkhand, Odisha, Jammu and Kashmir, Ladakh, Chandigarh, Delhi | |||
B. Filing Form GSTR-1:
| Tax period | Due Date | Remarks |
| Monthly return (Feb., 2026) | 11.03.2026 | 1. GST Filing of returns by registered person with aggregate turnover exceeding INR 5 Crores during preceding year. 2. Registered person, with aggregate turnover of less then INR 5 Crores during preceding year, opted for monthly filing of return under QRMP. |
C. Non Resident Tax Payers, ISD, TDS & TCS Taxpayers
| Form No. | Compliance Particulars | Timeline | Due Date |
| GSTR-5 & 5A | Non-resident ODIAR services provider file Monthly GST Return | 20th of succeeding month | 20.03.2026 |
| GSTR -6 | Every Input Service Distributor (ISD) | 13th of succeeding month | 13.03.2026 |
| GSTR -7 | Return for Tax Deducted at source to be filed by Tax Deductor | 10th of succeeding month | 10.03.2026 |
| GSTR -8 | E-Commerce operator registered under GST liable to TCS | 10th of succeeding month | 10.03.2026 |
D. GSTR – 1 QRMP monthly / Quarterly return
| Form No. | Compliance Particulars | Timeline | Due Date |
| Details of outward supply-IFF & Summary of outward supplies by taxpayers who have opted for the QRMP scheme. | GST QRMP monthly return due date for the month of Feb., 2026 (IFF). Applicable for taxpayers with Annual aggregate turnover up to Rs. 1.50 Crore. Summary of outward supplies by taxpayers who have opted for the QRMP scheme. | 13th of succeeding month – Monthly Quarterly Return | 13.03.2026 |
E. GST Refund:
| Form No. | Compliance Particulars | Due Date |
| RFD -10 | Refund of Tax to Certain Persons | 2 years from the last day of the quarter in which supply was received |
F. Monthly Payment of GST – PMT-06:
| Compliance Particular | Due Date |
| Due Date of payment of GST for a taxpayer with Aggregate turnover up to INR 5 crores during the previous year and who has opted for Quarterly filing of return under QRMP. | 25.03.2026 |
G. GSTR 11: Statement of inward supply of goods or services or both received by UIN holders – due date 28.03.2026
GSTR-11 is the return to be filed by the persons who have been issued a Unique Identity Number and claims a refund of the taxes paid on their inward supplies.
Due date: Must be filed by the 28th of the month following the month in which inward supply is received by the UIN holders.
- GST UPDATES – February, 2026:
| Sl. | Notification Particulars | Notification No. | Link (s) |
| 1. | Facility for Withdrawal from Rule 14A | GSTN 650 | Click Here |
| 2. | Attention: Update on Advisory on Interest Collection and Related Enhancements in GSTR-3B | GSTN 649 | Click Here |
| 3 | Gross and Net GST revenue collections for the month of Jan, 2026 | GSTN 648 | Click Here |
| Regular taxpayers can opt for the Composition Scheme for the Financial Year 2026–27 by accessing the GST Portal and navigating to Services -> Registration -> Application to Opt for Composition Levy, where they can file Form CMP 02. This facility will remain available until March 31, 2026. |
- Compliance under Other Statutory LAws
| Applicable Laws/Acts | Timeline / Due Dates | Compliance Particulars | Forms / (Filing mode) |
| EPF (The Employees’ Provident Funds And Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952) | 15.03.2026 | PF Payment | ECR |
| ESIC (Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948) | 15.03.2026 | ESIC Payment | ESI Challan |
| Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970 | Within 15 Days of commencement/ completion of contract work | Return/Notice by the Principal employer | Form VI-B |
| Contract Labour (Regulation & Abolition) Act, 1970 | Within 15 Days of commencement/ completion of contract work | Notice of commencement/ completion of contract work by the Contractor | Form VI-A |
| Payment of Gratuity Rule | Within 30 Days of applicability of the Act & any change | Notice of applicability of the Act & any change | Form A or B |
| Professional Tax | State-wise | Deposit of Professional Tax and filing of return | Online mode |
- Updates TRACKER under Labour LAws – Feb., 2026:
| Sl. | Particulars | Link |
| 1 | International Update: Saudi Arabia tightens labour laws: SR10,000 fine for employers hiring foreign workers without a permit an | Click here |
| 2 | Delayed EPF Contribution? Penalty Can’t Be Less Than 25 Per Cent Of Arrears, Says Karnataka HC | Click here |
| 3 | EPFO may ease PF interest rate to 8-8.2% in FY26 | Click here |
| 4 | PF exemptions to now align in full with EPFO rules | Click here |
| 5 | U.P. Factories (Amendment) Act enforced; allows govt to extend max daily working hours to 12 | Click here |
| 6 | Work for 12 hours, get three days off, and night shifts for women: What’s in the new Gujarat Factories Act | Click here |
| 7 | SHANTI Act enables private sector participation in equipment manufacturing, R&D | Click here |
| 8 | India’s labour reforms need stronger social protection and rapid upskilling | Click here |
5. SEBI – Securities Exchange Board of INDIA
- Compliance Requirement under SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) (LODR) Regulations, 2015
A. Regular / Annual Compliances:
| Reg No | Regulation No | Particulars | Timeline |
| 47 Advertisements in Newspapers. | 47 (1) Publish financial results advertisement in newspapers. | 1 English National Daily + 1 Regional Daily (at Registered Office location). Must contain a QR Code and a link to the webpage where complete results are available. (Information must be sent to the Exchange at the same time it is sent for publication.) | Within 48 hours of the conclusion of the Board Meeting. |
| 46 Website | 46(2)(s) | The listed entity shall disseminate the required information under a separate section on its website: (s) separate audited financial statements of each subsidiary of the listed entity in respect of a relevant financial year. | At least 21 days prior 1 days prior to the date of AGM |
| Annual Disclosure requirements for large entities | Circular No. SEBI/HO/DDHS/CIR/P/2018/144 | Annual Disclosure to be made by an entity identified as a Large Corporates Reporting the details of incremental borrowings and the percentage raised through debt (Annexure B1/B2). | Within 45 days of the end of the FY |
B. Other Quarterly compliance which included half year compliance except
FR (Financial Results)
| Reg No | Regulation No | Particulars | Timeline |
| Intimation | Reg 29 read with Reg 33* | intimation regarding item specified in clause 29(1) be discussed at the meeting of board of directors shall be given at least Two working days in advance (excluding the date of the intimation and date of the meeting), and such intimation shall include the date of such meeting of board of directors. | at least 2 working days in advance, excluding the date of the intimation and date of the meeting |
| Intimations and Disclosure of events or information to Stock Exchanges. | 87B: Intimations and Disclosure of events or information to Stock Exchanges. READ WITH PART E OF Schedule III | The listed entity shall first disclose to stock exchange(s) of all events or information, as specified in Part E of Schedule III, as soon as reasonably possible but not later than twenty four hours from occurrence of the event or information: | not later than 24 HOURS from occurrence of the event or information. |
| Valuation, Rating and NAV disclosure. | 87C(1) (iii) | An issuer whose security receipts are listed on a stock exchange shall ensure that: (iii) the net asset value is calculated on the basis of such independent valuation and the same is declared by the asset reconstruction company within fifteen days of the end of the quarter. | Within 15 Days of the end of the quarter. |
| Certificate from Practicing Company Secretary. | Regulation 40 (9) (Regulation 40 (10)- certificate mentioned at sub-regulation (9), shall be filed with the stock exchange(s) simultaneously.) | The listed entity shall ensure that the share transfer agent and/or the in-house share transfer facility, as the case may be, produces a certificate from a practicing CS within 30 days from the end of the FY, certifying that all certificates have been issued within thirty days of the date of lodgement for transfer, subdivision, consolidation, renewal, exchange or endorsement of calls/ allotment monies. | Within 30 days from the end of the financial year. |
| Indian Depository Receipt holding pattern & Shareholding details. | 69(1) | The listed entity shall file with the stock exchange the Indian Depository Receipt holding pattern on a quarterly basis within fifteen days of end of the quarter in the format specified by the Board. | 15 days from end of each quarter |
C. Event based Compliances
Regulation 30 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015
| Reg. No. | Description / Category | Compliance Details (What to Disclose) | Disclosure Timeline |
| 30(2) | Deemed Material Events (Schedule III, Part A, Para A) | Events like strikes, lock-outs, change in name, frauds/ defaults by KMPs/ Promoters, and acquisition/ disposal of units. | As soon as possible, and not later than 24 hours from occurrence. |
| 30(4) | Materiality-Based Events (Schedule III, Part A, Para B) | Events like commencement of commercial production, capacity addition, or product launch, based on the company’s Materiality Policy. | As soon as possible, and not later than 24 hours from occurrence. |
| 30(4)(i) | Quantitative Thresholds (New) | Disclosure is mandatory if the value/impact exceeds the lower of: 1. 2% of turnover 2. 2% of net worth 3. 5% of average profit/loss (last 3 years). | Same as above (within 24 hours of identifying the impact). |
| 30(6) | Outcome of Board Meetings | Decisions on Dividends, Buy-backs, Financial Results, Fund-raising (Rights Issue/QIP), and Voluntary Delisting. | Within 30 minutes of the closure of the Board Meeting. |
| 30(11) | Market Rumour Verification | Top 100 (from Oct 2023) / Top 250 (from April 2024) entities must confirm, deny, or clarify material market rumours. | Within 24 hours from the reporting of the event in mainstream media. |
| 30(8) | Website Disclosure | All disclosures made to stock exchanges must be hosted on the company’s website. | Within 2 working days of disclosure; host for min. 5 years. |
| 30(13) | Regulatory Actions | Disclosures of any search, seizure, or action by enforcement/regulatory authorities. | As soon as possible; typically within 24 hours. |
6. SEBI (Prohibition of Insider Trading) Regulations, 2015
| Reg. No. | Compliance Description | Compliance Details | Timeline / Frequency |
| 3(5) & 3(6) | Structured Digital Database (SDD) | Maintain a digital database containing the nature of UPSI and the names of persons with whom information is shared along with their PAN. The database must be non-tamperable and maintained internally. | Real-time (Entry must be made upon sharing UPSI). Retention: 8 years. |
| 7(1)(a) | Initial Disclosure | Every person being appointed as a KMP/Director or becoming a Promoter/Member of Promoter Group must disclose their holding of securities. | Within 7 days of such appointment or becoming a promoter. |
| 7(2) | Continual Disclosure | Promoters, members of promoter group, designated persons, and directors must disclose the number of securities acquired or disposed of if the value exceeds ₹10 Lakhs. | Within 2 trading days of the transaction. |
| 8(1) | Code of Fair Disclosure | The Board of Directors must formulate and publish on its website a code of practices and procedures for fair disclosure of UPSI. | One-time (Amendments to be intimated to stock exchanges immediately). |
| 9(1) | Code of Conduct | The Board must formulate a code of conduct to regulate, monitor, and report trading by its designated persons and their immediate relatives. | Continuous adherence (Review at least once a year). |
| Schedule B (Cl. 4) | Trading Window Closure | Restrict trading by Designated Persons during the period when UPSI is expected to be available (e.g., Financial Results). | From end of quarter till 48 hours after results are made public. |
| Schedule B (Cl. 10) | Pre-clearance of Trades | Designated persons must seek pre-clearance from the Compliance Officer for trades above a certain threshold (defined in the CoC). | Prior to execution of the trade. |
| Schedule B (Cl. 14) | Contra-trade Restriction | Designated persons are prohibited from executing a “contra-trade” (opposite trade) for a specific period after a transaction. | Within 6 months of the prior trade. |
7. SEBI (Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2018
| Regulation No. | Description | Compliance Details | Timeline / Frequency |
| Reg 8A | Promoter Shareholding Calculation | Promoters’ holdings for “Offer for Sale” (OFS) must be calculated based on shareholding as of the date of filing the Draft Offer Document. | At the time of filing DRHP |
| Reg 9 & 95 | Reporting of Transactions | Report all transactions in securities by the promoter/promoter group and any Pre-IPO placements to the Stock Exchanges. | Within 24 hours of the transaction |
| Reg 15 & 16 | Promoter Lock-in & CapEx | If issue proceeds are used for CapEx (including loan repayment for CapEx), promoter contribution is locked for 3 years (otherwise 18 months). | From the date of allotment |
| Reg 17 | Lock-in of Pledged Shares | Pledged shares held by non-promoters are now deemed “locked-in.” If the pledge is invoked, the lock-in transfers to the lender. | For 6 months post-allotment |
| Reg 25 | Public Announcement (DRHP) | Issuer must make a public announcement in newspapers (English, Hindi, and Regional) within a specific timeframe of filing. | Within 2 working days of filing DRHP |
| Reg 26 | Public Comments on DRHP | The draft offer document must be hosted on SEBI/Exchange websites for public review. | Minimum 21 days from the Public Announcement |
| Reg 43 & 141 | Pre-Issue Advertisement | Notice must be published in the same newspapers where the public announcement was made. | After filing RHP, before issue opens |
| Reg 71 | Rights Issue Filing | Submission of the draft letter of offer to Stock Exchanges and the Board for dissemination. | At the time of filing with the Board |
| Reg 85 | Issue Opening (Rights) | The rights issue must open within a timeframe specified by SEBI from the date of observations. | As specified by SEBI (periodic) |
| Reg 175 | QIP Placement Document | Placement document must contain all material info, simplified under the 2025 rationalization to avoid duplication of LODR data. | Before opening the QIP |
| Reg 281A | Exit to Dissenting Shareholders | Promoters must provide an exit option if there is a change in the “Objects of the Issue” or variation in contract terms. | Post-listing (if objects change) |
| Schedule VI | Disclosure of Litigation | Mandatory disclosure of all criminal proceedings and regulatory actions against KMP and Senior Management. | Ongoing / Update in Offer Doc |
| Schedule VI | Material Agreements | Disclosure of all material agreements (as per SEBI LODR) must now be included in the offer document. | At the time of filing DRHP/RHP |
| Schedule VI | Proforma Financials | Voluntary disclosure allowed for acquisitions/divestments even if below the 20% materiality threshold. | Included in Offer Document |
8. SEBI (Buyback of Securities) Regulations, 2018 (Buyback Regulations)
| Reg. No. | Description | Compliance Details | Timeline |
| 5(i) | Board Approval | Buy-back must be authorized by a resolution passed by the Board of Directors. (Limited to 10% of total paid-up equity capital + free reserves). | Date of the Board Meeting. |
| 5(i)(b) | Special Resolution | If buy-back exceeds 10% (up to 25%), a special resolution must be passed by shareholders. | Within 45 days of Board approval (via Postal Ballot). |
| 5(vi) | Filings with SEBI/Exchanges | Copy of the Board resolution/Special resolution must be filed with SEBI and Stock Exchanges. | Within 2 working days of passing the resolution. |
| 7(i) | Public Announcement | A public announcement must be made in newspapers (English, Hindi, and Regional language) after the board/shareholder approval. | Within 2 working days of the resolution/result declaration. |
| 8(i) | Filing Letter of Offer | The company must file a draft Letter of Offer with SEBI through a Merchant Banker. | Within 2 working days of the Public Announcement. |
| 9(ii) | Dispatch of Letter of Offer | The Letter of Offer must be dispatched to the shareholders of the company. | Within 2 working days from the record date. |
| 9(iv) | Record Date | Date for determining the entitlement and names of shareholders who are eligible to participate. | Not less than 7 working days and not more than 10 working days from the date of public announcement. |
| 9(v) | Opening of Offer | The buy-back offer shall open for subscription. | Within 4 working days from the record date. |
| 9(vi) | Closing of Offer | The period for which the buy-back offer remains open. | Shall remain open for 5 working days. |
| 10 | Escrow Account | Opening of an escrow account and depositing the required amount (25% for first ₹100 Cr; 10% thereafter). | On or before the opening of the offer. |
| 11 | Verification of Tenders | Verification of buy-back tenders by the company/registrar. | Within 3 working days from the date of closure of the offer. |
| 11 | Payment of Consideration | Completion of payment to shareholders whose offers are accepted. | Within 5 working days from the date of closure of the offer. |
| 11 | Extinguishment of Shares | Physical destruction/extinguishment of share certificates or securities in dematerialized form. | Within 7 days of the completion of the buy-back. |
| 11 | Post-Buy-back Report | Filing of a certificate of extinguishment and completion with SEBI. | Within 15 days of the completion of the buy-back. |
| 24(i) | Restriction on Fresh Issue | Prohibition on making a further issue of the same kind of shares (including rights issue). | For a period of 6 months from the expiry of the buy-back period. |
9. SEBI (Depositories and Participants) Regulations 2018)
| Sl. | Particulars | Due Date |
| 1. | Regulation 76 -Reconciliation of Shares and Capital Audit. | Within 30 days from end of quarter. |
| 2. | Regulation 74 (5): Processing of demat requests form by Issuer/RTAs – Certificate Received from Registrar. | Within 15 days from the end of each quarter. |
SEBI Overhauls Stock Broker Regulations to Simplify Compliance Framework
SEBI’s New Stock Broker Framework: At a Glance
The new regulations significantly reduce the complexity of the 1992 framework, cutting the total word count by over 50% and streamlining the rulebook into 11 distinct chapters.
| Category | Key Takeaway | Impact & Purpose |
| Structure | Simplified Framework | The regulations were condensed from 59 to 29 pages for better readability. |
| Flexibility | Cross-Sector Activities | Brokers can now engage in activities regulated by RBI, IRDAI, and others under business segregation. |
| Supervision | Risk-Based Oversight | Specialized rules for “Qualified Stock Brokers” (QSBs) focus scrutiny on high-volume entities. |
| Technology | Digital Record Keeping | Formally recognizes electronic books of accounts, eliminating the need for physical storage. |
| Onboarding | Streamlined Registration | Registration forms are moved to circulars, allowing for faster updates by SEBI. |
| Efficiency | Joint Inspections | Coordinated audits by SEBI and Exchanges prevent redundant inspections. |
| Governance | Resident Director | Mandates at least one director residing in India for at least 182 days for local accountability. |
| Clarity | Updated Definitions | Refined terms like “proprietary trading” to align with modern market practices. |
| Modernization | Removal of Obsolete Rules | Deletes outdated references to sub-brokers and physical share delivery. |
| Reporting | Exchange-Led Filing | Streamlines non-compliance and financial reporting directly to Stock Exchanges. |
- SEBI Circulars Tracker: February, 2026
| Sl. | Particulars | Link |
| 1. | Revised Norms for appointment of an independent third-party reviewer/ certifier for green debt security | Click Here |
| 2. | Caution to the Public regarding fake STT notices | Click Here |
| 3. | Ease of Doing Investment (EoDI)- Disclosure of registered name and registration number by SEBI regulated entities and their agents on Social Media Platforms (SMPs) | Click Here |
| 4. | Valuation of physical Gold and Silver held by mutual fund schemes | Click Here |
| 5. | Address by Shri Amarjeet Singh, WTM, SEBI at the SEBI PMS Conclave | Click Here |
| 6. | Address by Shri Tuhin Kanta Pandey, Chairman, SEBI PMS Conclave – Way Ahead for the PMS Industry | Click Here |
| 7. | SEBI Constitutes Working Group to Review ESG Rating Providers (ERPs) Regulatory Framework | Click Here |
| 8. | Circular on Forms for registration of stock brokers and clearing members | Click Here |
| 9. | Consultation Paper on Review of provisions related to Base Price and Price Bands for Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs). Click here to provide your comments | Click Here |
| 10. | Consultation paper on Ease of doing business-Relaxations in the reporting requirements for stock brokers. Click here to provide your comments | Click Here |
| 11. | Launch of AI-driven calling campaign to promote ‘SEBI Check’ Tool and Validated UPI Handles | Click Here |
| 12. | Capacity Planning and Real Time Performance Monitoring framework for Commodity Derivatives Segment of Market Infrastructure Institutions (MIIs) | Click Here |
| 13. | Obligations on CRAs while undertaking rating of financial instruments falling under the purview of any other Financial Sector Regulator | Click Here |
| 14. | Review of minimum value of investment by individual investors in Social Impact Fund under SEBI AIF Regulations, 2012 and review of requirements related to registration period of NPOs and minimum subscription under SEBI ICDR Regulations, 2018 Click here to provide your comments | Click Here |
| 15. | Master Circular for Issue of Capital and Disclosure Requirements | Click Here |
| 16. | Request for Informal Guidance by way of an interpretative letter under the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Informal Guidance) Scheme, 2025 received from Punjab National Bank seeking interpretation of the provisions of Regulation 27 of the SEBI (Listing Obligations and Disclosure Requirements) Regulations, 2015 and SEBI Circular for implementation of recommendations of the Expert Committee for facilitating ease of doing business for listed entities dated 31.12.2024 | Click Here |
| 17. | Master Circular for Research Analysts | Click Here |
| 18 | Reporting of value of units of Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) to Depositories | Click Here |
| 19 | Master Circular for Registrars to an Issue and Share Transfer Agents | Click Here |
| 20 | Consultation paper on ‘extending facility of standing instructions for Systemic Withdrawal Plan (SWP)/Systemic Transfer Plan (STP) for Mutual Fund units held in demat form’ Click here to provide your comments | Click Here |
| 21 | Consultation Paper on Measures towards Ease of Doing Business for REITs and InvITs. Click here to provide your comments | Click Here |
| 22 | Consultation Paper on Flexibility to Alternative Investment Funds (AIFs) in Winding up the scheme / Surrendering the Registration. Click here to provide your comments | Click Here |
| 23 | Consultation Paper On Draft Circular on Review of Inclusion of Historical Scenarios in Stress Testing and Coverage of Settlement Guarantee Fund for Commodity Derivatives Segment. Click here to provide your comments | Click Here |
| 24 | Review of Calendar Spread margin benefit in Single stock derivatives on expiry day | Click Here |
| 25 | Revision of Order-to-Trade Ratio (OTR) framework | Click Here |
| 26 | Consultation paper on proposed amendments to Schedule II of the Securities and Exchange Board of India (Intermediaries) Regulations, 2008 – ‘Fit and Proper Person’ Criteria. Click here to provide your comments | Click Here |
10. Compliance Requirement UNDER Companies Act, 2013 and Rules made thereunder;
| Applicable Laws/Acts | Due Dates | Compliance Particulars | Forms / Filing mode |
| Companies Act, 2013 | Within 15 days of appointment of an auditor. | The Ministry in its General Circular No. 12/2018 dated 13th December, 2018 clarified that filing of Form NFRA-1 is applicable only for Bodies Corporate and ruled out filing by Companies as defined under sub-section (20) of Section 2 the Act. | E – Form NFRA -1 |
| Companies Act, 2013 | Within 30 days of the board meeting | Filing of resolutions with the ROC regarding Board Report and Annual Accounts. The details of the resolutions passed should be filed. | MGT-14 (Filing of resolution with MCA) |
| Companies Act, 2013 | One Time compliances | Registration of Entities for undertaking CSR activities – Trust/ Society/ Section 8 Company need to file before Acceptance of Donation as CSR w.e.f. 01st April 2021. | E-Form CSR-1 |
| Companies Act, 2013 | 30th April, 2026 (for Oct.2025 to Mar. 2026) | Pursuant to Order dated 22 January, 2019 issued under Section 405 of the Companies Act, 2013, specified companies shall submit a half yearly return to MCA in respect of outstanding payments to Micro or Small Enterprises exceeding 45 days. | MSME Form 1 |
| Companies Act, 2013 | Annual Compliance 30th September 2026 | Last date for filing DIR-3 KYC for every Financial year is 30th September. For Every DIN / DPIN Holders. Penalty after due date is Rs. 5000/-(one time) | DIR – 3 KYC / DIR 3 Web- KYC |
| Companies Act, 2013 | Within 60 (sixty) days from the conclusion of each half year. | Reconciliation of Share Capital Audit Report (Half-yearly) Pursuant to sub-rule Rule 9A (8) of Companies (Prospectus and Allotment of Securities) Rules, 2014 | E-Form PAS – 6 |
| Companies Act, 2013 | With in 60 days from the last day of its financial year. | Every foreign company shall prepare and file, within sixty days from the last day of its financial year, to the Registrar annual return in Form FC4. | FC-4 |
| Companies Act, 2013 | within a period of 60 days after the holding of AGM | IEPF Authority (Accounting, Audit, Transfer and Refund) Second Amendment Rules, 2019 Statement of unclaimed and unpaid amounts. This e-form shall be filed within a period of 60 days after the holding of AGM or the date on which it should have been held as per the provisions of section 96 of the Act, whichever is earlier. | IEPF -2 |
| Companies Act, 2013 | Within 30 days from the conclusion of half year | Return of Nidhi Company for the half year: Every nidhi company shall file half yearly return in e-form NDH-3 within 30 days of conclusion of half year duly certified by Practicing Professional having Valid COP. | NDH – 3 |
*After the expiry of due dates, the respective forms can be filed with respective ROC via MCA21 portal by paying statutory filing fee & delayed filing fee, in accordance with the provisions of the rules and regulations (amended from time to time) as mentioned under the Company Law.
MCA Launches CCFS-2026:
A Golden Opportunity for Companies to Regularize Delayed Filings with 90% Fee Waiver
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs (MCA) has introduced the CCFS-2026 to allow defaulting companies to regularize their long-pending filings with significantly reduced costs and immunity from prosecution.
Summary of MCA Companies Compliance Facilitation Scheme (CCFS), 2026
| Feature | Details |
| Scheme Name | Companies Compliance Facilitation Scheme, 2026 (CCFS-2026) |
| Effective Period | April 15, 2026, to July 15, 2026 |
| Objective | To enable companies to clear filing backlogs and update the MCA-21 registry. |
| Applicability | All companies with overdue statutory filings (Annual Returns, Financials, etc.). |
| Fee for Delayed Filings | Only 10% of the total accumulated additional fees. |
| Fee for Closure (STK-2) | Only 25% of the standard filing fee for striking off the company. |
| Fee for Dormancy (MSC-1) | Only 50% of the normal fee to obtain “Dormant” status. |
| Key Forms Covered | MGT-7/7A (Annual Return), AOC-4 (Financials), ADT-1 (Auditors), and legacy 1956 Act forms. |
| Immunity Provided | Immunity from penalty proceedings under Section 92 and 137 if filed within the scheme period. |
| Exclusions | Companies already under final strike-off notice, vanishing companies, or those already dissolved. |
- Important Updates – February, 2026
| Sl. | Particulars of the Circulars | Link |
| 1 | Stakeholders are informed that MCA portal will not be available from 15th February 2026 12:00 AM to 15th February 11:59 PM due to establishment of new RDs and ROCs which are effective from 16th February 2026. To facilitate implementation of this change, stakeholders are advised to note the following points: (1) All registered companies and LLPs mapped with the below mentioned ROC locations currently will be bifurcated as: a. ROC Delhi: Companies or LLPs registered with Haryana State will be moved to ROC Haryana and the remaining companies will be split between ROC Delhi I and ROC Delhi II based on existing district and PIN code. b. ROC Kanpur: Companies or LLPs registered will be split between ROC Uttar Pradesh I and ROC Uttar Pradesh II based on existing district and PIN code. c. ROC Mumbai: Companies or LLPs registered will be split between ROC Mumbai I, ROC Mumbai II and ROC Nagpur based on existing district and PIN code. d. ROC Kolkata: Companies or LLPs registered will be split between ROC Kolkata I and ROC Kolkata II based on existing district and PIN code. (2) ROC and RD mapping will get updated for all the new RD locations and existing impacted RD locations. (3) Please refer Act & Rules – Notifications tab to access the relevant notifications issued on 23rd October 2025. (4) All Foreign companies who have their place of business in India will be mapped from ROC Delhi to ROC Delhi I. (5) Stakeholders are advised to plan and file/resubmit current V3 forms before 15th February 2026 if the due date/resubmission date falls on 15th February 2026. | Click Here |
11. MSME (Ministry of Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises)
MSME stands for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises. In a developing country like India, MSME industries are the backbone of the economy.
Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) form the backbone of the Indian economy, playing a pivotal role in employment generation, fostering innovation, promoting inclusive growth, and significantly contributing to the nation’s GDP and exports. Governed by the MSMED Act, 2006, these enterprises are vital for both the manufacturing and service sectors.
- Key Updates – for the month of February – 2026
| Sl. | Particulars | Link |
| 1 | Arunachal Chief Minister Urges MSME Growth In Northeast | Click Here |
| 2 | With 10 new semiconductor projects multiplier effect will reach entire MSME value chain, says PM Modi at Micron plant Inauguration | Click Here |
| 3 | CBM to launch digital transaction-based MSME loans | Click Here |
| 4 | Indian MSME drugmakers likely to focus on Brazil as next growth market | Click Here |
| 5 | Budget 2026-27 announces Rs 10,000 crore SME Growth Fund; push to boost MSME liquidity and professional support | Click Here |
| 6 | National MSME Council Reviews RAMP and Launches Portal | Click Here |
| 7 | Government Develops New Framework to Ease MSME Debt Burden and Prevent Business Closures | Click Here |
| 8 | Government Eases QCO Norms & Boosts Credit Flow for MSMEs | Click Here |
12. IBBI Updates {Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India} {IBC}
- Important Notifications and Circulars Tracker (February, 2026)
| Sl. | Particulars | Link |
| 1 | Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India introduces reforms to strengthen the valuation and information disclosure framework under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016. | Click here |
| 2 | IBBI (Bankruptcy Process for Personal Guarantors to Corporate Debtors) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 | Click here |
| 3 | IBBI (Pre-Packaged Insolvency Resolution Process) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 | Click here |
| 4 | IBBI (Voluntary Liquidation Process) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 | Click here |
| 5 | IBBI (Liquidation Process) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026 | Click here |
| 6 | IBBI (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026. | Click here |
| 7 | Discussion Paper on strengthening CoC’s oversight and procedural clarity under the CIRP Regulations, 2016 (270.75 KB) | Click here |
List of approved Resolution Plans
| Date | Subject / Update | Link to Document |
| 2026-02-26 | In the matter of Borivali Healthcare Private Limited | Download PDF |
| 2026-02-26 | Approval of Resolution Plan – Raigarh Champa Rail Infrastructure Pvt Ltd | Download PDF |
| 2026-02-26 | Approval of Resolution Plan – Laxmi Pipes Ltd. | Download PDF |
| 2026-02-26 | Approval of Resolution Plan – Call Express Constructions (India) Pvt Ltd | Download PDF |
| 2026-02-26 | Approval of Resolution Plan – E Commerce Magnum Solution Limited | Download PDF |
| 2026-02-26 | Reforms to strengthen valuation and information disclosure framework | Download PDF |
| 2026-02-25 | IBBI (Bankruptcy Process for Personal Guarantors) (Amendment) | Download PDF |
| 2026-02-25 | IBBI (Pre-Packaged Insolvency Resolution Process) (Amendment) | Download PDF |
| 2026-02-25 | IBBI (Voluntary Liquidation Process) (Amendment) Regulations, 2026 | Download PDF |
| 2026-02-25 | IBBI (Liquidation Process) (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2026 | Download PDF |
| 2026-02-25 | IBBI (Insolvency Resolution Process for Corporate Persons) (Amendment) | Download PDF |
| 2026-02-17 | Appointment of Shri Ashutosh Mishra as ex-officio member | Download PDF |
| 2026-02-16 | Discussion Paper on strengthening CoC’s oversight and clarity | Download PDF |
13. Cabinet Decisions / New Acts
| Date | Cabinet Decision / Subject | Download / View Link |
| 24 Feb 2026 | Renaming Kerala to “Keralam”: Approved the proposal for alteration of the name of the state. | View Release |
| 24 Feb 2026 | Gujarat Metro Expansion: Extension of North-South corridor from GIFT City to Shahpur. | View Release |
| 24 Feb 2026 | Srinagar International Airport: Expansion of Civil Enclave to handle increased passenger traffic. | View Release |
| 24 Feb 2026 | MSP for Raw Jute: Approved Minimum Support Prices for Raw Jute for the 2026-27 season. | View Release |
| 24 Feb 2026 | PowerGrid Delegation: Enhanced investment threshold for subsidiaries from ₹5000cr to ₹7500cr. | View Release |
| 24 Feb 2026 | Seva Sankalp Resolution: Historic first meeting at the new PMO building ‘Seva Teerth’. | View Release |
| 14 Feb 2026 | Urban Challenge Fund: Approved ₹1 Lakh Crore fund to drive market-led urban transformation. | View Release |
| 14 Feb 2026 | Startup India Fund of Funds 2.0: To mobilize venture capital for the startup ecosystem. | View Release |
| 14 Feb 2026 | Noida Metro Extension: Approved corridor from Sector 142 to Botanical Garden (11.56 km). | View Release |
| 14 Feb 2026 | National Museum Transition: Shifting from North/South Blocks to ‘Seva Teerth’ & ‘Kartavya Bhavans’. | View Release |
| 14 Feb 2026 | Underwater Road Tunnel: Construction of Twin Tube TBM road tunnel (location-specific infra). | View Release |
| 14 Feb 2026 | Highway Widening (NH-167): Widening projects in Telangana and other multitracking rail/road projects. | View Release |
14. Competition Commission of India (CCI)
| Date | Press Release Title | Link to Release (Download) |
| 18 Feb 2026 | CCI approves proposed Merger of Hinduja Leyland Finance into NDL Ventures | View Release |
| 18 Feb 2026 | CCI approves internal reorganization of Bennett Coleman & Co. Ltd.’s (BCCL) certain businesses into Times Horizon Pvt Ltd | View Release |
| 18 Feb 2026 | CCI approves acquisition of portfolio management services business of Axis Securities by Axis Asset Management Company | View Release |
| 12 Feb 2026 | CCI approves proposed acquisition of minority shareholding of ~6.63% of Valuedrive Technologies Pvt Ltd by Fidelity Funds | View Release |
| 12 Feb 2026 | CCI approves proposed combination involving Amundi Asset Management S.A.S. and ICG Plc | View Release |
| 12 Feb 2026 | CCI imposes penalty on Intel Corp. for its India Specific Warranty Policy in respect of Boxed Microprocessors | View Release |
| 09 Feb 2026 | CCI registered 54 cases of anti-competitive practices/ antitrust, received 149 merger (M&A) filings in 2025 | View Release |
| 03 Feb 2026 | CCI approves acquisition of certain shareholding of Haldiram Snacks Food Pvt Ltd by L. Catterton India Fund | View Release |
| 03 Feb 2026 | CCI approves subscription to 15.01% equity shareholding of Ambit Wealth Private Limited by Daiwa International Holdings Inc. | View Release |
| 03 Feb 2026 | CCI approves acquisition of certain shareholding of Aadhar Housing Finance Limited by AXDI LDII SPV 1 LTD | View Release |
This Compliance Calendar / Tracker is updated till 28th February, 2026 with all Laws / Regulations and their respective amendments.
Disclaimer:
Every effort has been made to avoid errors or omissions in this material. In spite of this, errors may creep in. Any mistake, error or discrepancy noted may be brought to our notice which shall be taken care of in the next edition. In no event the author shall be liable for any direct, indirect, special or incidental damage resulting from or arising out of or in connection with the use of this information. Many sources have been considered including newspapers (PIB, ET, BS & HT etc.).
