India: Health & Safety

The Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020 (“OSH Code”) marks a significant shift in the legal framework governing the employment of women during night hours. Section 43 of the OSH Code, which has been in force since November 21, 2025, permits women to be employed in all establishments and for all types of work, including before 6:00 a.m. and beyond 7:00 p.m., with their consent and subject to prescribed conditions relating to safety, holidays, working hours and other requirements.

This comprehensive newsletter examines recent regulatory developments across labour laws, corporate compliance, safety standards, and environmental regulations in India. From the notification of new provident fund and pension schemes under the Code on Social Security, 2020, to updates on foreign investment regulations and payment system authorizations, the newsletter covers critical changes affecting businesses and organizations. Key highlights include safety alerts for industrial operations, FSSAI advisori

In December 2025, a Division Bench of the Gauhati High Court comprising of Chief Justice Ashutosh Kumar and Justice Arun Dev Choudhury delivered a significant judgment in Airports Authority of India & Ors. vs Praveen VS[1] (WA No. 149 of 2025). The Court clarified the scope of Section 10(4) of the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013 (POSH Act), holding that conciliation under the Act bars only further inquiry by the Internal Complaints Committee (ICC) or Local Committee, and does not preclude an employer from initiating independent disciplinary proceedings under applicable Service Rules if circumstances so warrant.