India: Energy and Natural Resources

APTEL, vide judgement dated 27.04.2026 in Appeal Nos. 190 of 2019 and 216 of 2019 titled Damodar Valley Corporation v West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission & Another, dismissed the appeals filed by Damodar Valley Corporation (“DVC”), upholding the finding of the West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission (“WBERC”) that radial mode of supply by a generating company to a distribution licensee cannot be considered as sale to a consumer.

Supreme Court through its judgement dated 07.05.2026 in the matter of Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission v Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited has held that consumers cannot be required to pay for depreciation costs for power plants which are no longer supplying electricity.

Supreme Court through its judgement dated 08.05.2026 in the matter of Indian Railways v West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited & Others held that Indian Railways (“IR”) is not a Deemed Distribution Licensee (“DDL”) under Section 14 of the EA Act and is liable to pay Cross-Subsidy Surcharge (“CSS”) and Additional Surcharge (“AS”) as stipulated in Section 42 of the EA Act.

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...

APTEL, vide judgement dated 27.04.2026 in Appeal Nos. 190 of 2019 and 216 of 2019 titled Damodar Valley Corporation v West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission & Another, dismissed the appeals filed by Damodar Valley Corporation (“DVC”), upholding the finding of the West Bengal Electricity Regulatory Commission (“WBERC”) that radial mode of supply by a generating company to a distribution licensee cannot be considered as sale to a consumer.

Supreme Court through its judgement dated 07.05.2026 in the matter of Delhi Electricity Regulatory Commission v Tata Power Delhi Distribution Limited has held that consumers cannot be required to pay for depreciation costs for power plants which are no longer supplying electricity.

Supreme Court through its judgement dated 08.05.2026 in the matter of Indian Railways v West Bengal State Electricity Distribution Company Limited & Others held that Indian Railways (“IR”) is not a Deemed Distribution Licensee (“DDL”) under Section 14 of the EA Act and is liable to pay Cross-Subsidy Surcharge (“CSS”) and Additional Surcharge (“AS”) as stipulated in Section 42 of the EA Act.

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.

The Bureau of Indian Standards has notified the amendment of certain Standards, including the following, with effect from 20th January 2026.

The Central Government, on 10th February 2026, continued the imposition of anti dumping duty on imports of Toluene Di-Isocyanate (TDI) having isomer content in the ratio of 80:20 from European Union and Saudi Arabia.