The Tribunal Reform Mines and Minerals The Kerala The National Cooperative Bill 2026

jftLVªh lañ Mhñ ,yñ—¼,u½04@0007@2003—26 REGISTERED NO. DL—(N)04/0007/2003—26 सी.जी.-डी.xएxलx.G-अID.-1H10x8x2x026-275358 CG-DL-E-11082026-275358 xxxGIDExxx vlk/kkj.k EXTRAORDINARY Hkkx II — [k.M 2 PART II — Section 2 izkf/kdkj ls izdkf'kr PUBLISHED BY AUTHORITY lañ 20] ubZ fnYyh] lkseokj] vxLr 10] 2026@Jko.k 19] 1948 ¼'kd½ No. 20] NEW DELHI, MONDAY, AUGUST 10, 2026/SRAVANA 19, 1948 (Saka) bl Hkkx esa fHkUu i`"B la[;k nh tkrh gS ftlls fd ;g vyx ladyu ds :i esa j[kk tk ldsA Separate paging is given to this Part in order that it may be filed as a separate compilation.

LOK SABHA LOK SABHA ___________ ———— The Tfohell ofowlloinwgin Bg iBllilsl sw weerree iinnttrroodduucecde idn iLno kL oSakb Shaa obnh a1 0othn A 1u0gtuhs tA, 2u0g2u6:s—t 2026:- BIBLilLl NNoo.. 115533 oOfF 2 0220626 A Bill to improve the efficiency, ensure independence, transparency, and uniformity in the qualifications, appointment, terms and conditions of service of Chairpersons and Members of various Tribunals, the administration and functioning of the Tribunals, to establish a National Tribunals Commission and to make consequential amendments in related enactments and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-seventh Year of the Republic of

India as follows:—

CHAPTER I PRELIMINARY 5 1.(1) This Act may be called the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2026. Short title and commencement.

(2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by

notification in the Official Gazette, appoint; and different dates may be appointed for different provisions of this Act and any reference in any such provision to the commencement of this Act shall be construed as a reference to the coming into 10 force of that provision.2 THE GAZETTE OF IND2 IA EXTRAORDINARY [Part II— Definitions. 2. In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,—

(a) “Chairperson” includes Chairperson, Chairman, President and Presiding Officer of a Tribunal, but does not include the Chairperson of the Commission;

(b) “Chairperson of the Commission” means the Chairperson of the 5 National Tribunals Commission;

(c) “Commission” means the National Tribunals Commission established under section 3;

(d) “Member” includes Vice-Chairman, Vice-Chairperson, Vice-President, Accountant Member, Administrative Member, Judicial Member, Expert 10 Member, Law Member and Technical Member of a Tribunal;

(e) “Member of the Commission” means a Judicial Member or a Technical Member of the National Tribunals Commission;

(f) “National Tribunals Data Grid” means a portal containing the repository of all case related information pertaining to Tribunals specified in 15 the First Schedule;

(g) “prescribed” means prescribed by rules made under this Act;

(h) “regulations” means the regulations made by the Commission under section 19;

(i) “Schedule” means a Schedule appended to this Act; 20

(j) “Search-cum-Selection Committee” means a Search-cum-Selection Committee constituted under section 13;

(k) “Secretariat” means the Secretariat of the Commission referred to in

section 8; and

(l) “Tribunal” means a Tribunal, Appellate Tribunal or Authority as 25 specified in column (2) of the First Schedule.

CHAPTER II NATIONAL TRIBUNALS COMMISSION National 3. (1) With effect from such date as the Central Government may, by notification Tribunals in the Official Gazette, appoint, there shall be established a Commission to be called 30 Commission.

the National Tribunals Commission to exercise the powers conferred upon it and to perform the functions assigned to it under this Act.

(2) The headquarters of the National Tribunals Commission shall be at New Delhi.

(3) The Commission shall consist of a Chairperson and four Members, of 35 whom, two shall be Judicial Members and two shall be Technical Members.

(4) A person shall be qualified for appointment—

(a) as the Chairperson, if he has been a Judge of the Supreme Court or a Chief Justice of a High Court;

(b) as a Judicial Member, if he has been a Chief Justice of a High Court 40 or a Judge of a High Court; and

(c) as a Technical Member, if he is a person of ability, integrity and standing, who has special knowledge and experience of not less than twenty-five years in the fields of public administration, finance, law, accountancy, banking, management or technology. 45Sec. 2] THE GAZETTE OF IND3 IA EXTRAORDINARY 3

4. The Commission shall–– Powers and functions of

(a) conduct the selection process for filling up the vacancies of Commission.

Chairpersons and Members of the Tribunals specified in the First Schedule, through the Search-cum-Selection Committees constituted under section 13;

5 (b) review the performance of the Tribunals, and cause an annual report to be prepared and submitted to the Central Government;

(c) oversee the conduct of inquiry into complaints against the Chairpersons and Members of the Tribunals; and

(d) develop and maintain the National Tribunals Data Grid.

10 5. (1) The Chairperson of the Commission and the Members of the Appointment, term of office,

Commission shall be appointed by the Central Government: etc., of Chairperson of

Provided that the Central Government shall consult the Chief Justice of India Commission and before making an appointment to the post of Chairperson of the Commission and Members of Judicial Members of the Commission. Commission.

15 (2) The Chairperson of the Commission or a Member of the Commission shall hold office for a term of five years or till he attains the age of seventy years, whichever is earlier.

(3) The salaries, allowances and other terms and conditions of holding office of the Chairperson of the Commission and the Members of the Commission shall 20 be such, as may be prescribed.

(4) Where a vacancy in the office of the Chairperson of the Commission arises for any reason, the senior-most Judicial Member of the Commission shall act as the Chairperson of the Commission until the date on which a new Chairperson enters upon his office.

25 (5) When the Chairperson of the Commission is unable to discharge his functions owing to absence, illness or any other cause, the senior-most Judicial Member of the Commission shall discharge the functions of the Chairperson of the Commission until the date on which he resumes charge of his office.

6. (1) The Chairperson of the Commission or any Member of the Resignation and 30 Commission may, by notice in writing under his hand addressed to the Central removal of Chairperson of Government, resign his office:

Commission and Members of

Provided that the Chairperson of the Commission or a Member of the Commission.

Commission shall, unless permitted by the Central Government to relinquish his office sooner, continue to hold office until the expiry of three months from the 35 date of receipt of such notice, or until a Chairperson or Member appointed as his successor enters upon his office, or until the expiry of his term of office, whichever is earlier.

(2) The Central Government may, by order, remove from office the Chairperson of the Commission or a Member of the Commission, who— 40 (a) is, or at any time has been, adjudged as an insolvent; or

(b) has been convicted of an offence which involves moral turpitude; or

(c) has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as such Chairperson of the Commission or a Member of the Commission; or

(d) has acquired such financial or other interest as is likely to affect 45 prejudicially his functions as such Chairperson of the Commission or a Member of the Commission; or

(e) has so abused his position as to render his continuance in office prejudicial to the public interest.4 THE GAZETTE OF IND4 IA EXTRAORDINARY [Part II—

(3) The Chairperson of the Commission or a Member of the Commission shall not be removed from his office on the ground specified in clause (d) or clause (e) of sub-section (2) unless he has been informed of the charges against him and given a reasonable opportunity of being heard in an inquiry held by a Committee constituted for the purpose in such manner as may be prescribed. 5

(4) The Committee referred to in sub-section (3) shall be headed by a person who is a Judge of the Supreme Court to be nominated by the Chief Justice of India.

Vacancy, etc., 7. No act or proceeding of the Commission shall be invalid merely by reason of— not to invalidate actions. (a) any vacancy in, or any defect in the constitution of, the Commission; or 10

(b) any defect in the appointment of the Chairperson of the Commission or a person acting as such Chairperson, or of a Member of the Commission.

Secretariat of 8. (1) The Central Government shall appoint an officer of the rank of Secretary Commission. to the Government of India as the Secretary of the Commission. 15

(2) The Secretary of the Commission shall head the Secretariat and exercise such administrative and financial powers of the Commission, as may be prescribed.

(3) The number of officers and employees of the Secretariat and their appointment, terms and conditions of service shall be such, as may be prescribed. 20

(4) The Secretariat shall, subject to the general and administrative oversight of the Chairperson of the Commission under sub-section (5), discharge such functions as may be prescribed.

(5) The Chairperson of the Commission may issue such instructions and directions of general nature to the Secretariat as he may deem fit in the interest of 25 efficient administration of the Commission.

Meetings of 9. (1) The Commission shall observe such procedure in regard to the holding Commission. and transaction of business at its meetings in such manner as may be specified by regulations.

(2) The Chairperson of the Commission shall preside over the meetings of 30 the Commission.

(3) When the Chairperson of the Commission is unable to attend a meeting of the Commission for any reason, the senior-most Judicial Member of the Commission present at the meeting shall preside over it.

(4) All matters which are brought before the Commission, shall be decided 35 by a majority of the Members of the Commission, including the Chairperson of the Commission, present and voting.

(5) The Chairperson of the Commission shall have a casting vote.

Grants by 10. The Central Government may, after due appropriation made by Central Parliament by law in this behalf, make to the Commission grants of such sums of 40 Government. money as it may deem appropriate for being utilised for the purposes of this Act.

Accounts and 11. (1) The Commission shall maintain proper accounts and other relevant audit. records and prepare an annual statement of accounts in such form as may be prescribed, in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.

(2) The accounts of the Commission shall be audited by the Comptroller and 45 Auditor-General of India at such intervals as may be specified by him, and any expenditure incurred in connection with such audit shall be payable by the Commission to the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India.Sec. 2] THE GAZETTE OF IND5 IA EXTRAORDINARY 5

(3) The Comptroller and Auditor-General of India and any other person appointed by him in connection with the audit of the accounts of the Commission shall have the same rights, privileges and authority in connection with such audit as the Comptroller and Auditor-General generally has in connection with the audit 5 of Government accounts and, in particular, shall have the right to demand the production of books, accounts, connected vouchers and other documents and papers, and to inspect any of the offices of the Commission.

(4) The accounts of the Commission as certified by the Comptroller and Auditor-General of India, together with the audit report thereon, shall be 10 forwarded annually to the Central Government, and that Government shall cause the same to be laid before each House of Parliament.

12. (1) The Secretariat shall prepare, once in every year, an annual report Furnishing of giving a true and full account of the activities of the Commission during the annual report to Central previous year, and forward copies of such report, through the Commission, to the Government.

15 Central Government.

(2) A copy of the report received under sub-section (1) shall be laid by the Central Government, as soon as may be after it is received, before each House of Parliament.

CHAPTER III 20 MANNER OF SELECTION AND CONDITIONS OF SERVICE OF CHAIRPERSON AND MEMBERS OF TRIBUNAL

13. (1) For the purpose of the selection of the Chairpersons and Members of Search-cum- Selection the Tribunals specified in the First Schedule, the Commission shall constitute Committees.

Search-cum-Selection Committees as may be required.

25 (2) A Search-cum-Selection Committee in the case of selection of the Chairperson of a Tribunal shall consist of the following, namely:––

(a) a Chairperson, who shall be the Chairperson of the Commission;

(b) one Member, who shall be a Technical Member of the Commission;

30 (c) one Member, who shall be a retired Chief Justice of a High Court nominated by the Chairperson of the Commission;

(d) one Member, who is a Secretary to the Government of India

nominated by the Central Government:

Provided that in case of appointment to the post of Chairperson of the 35 State Administrative Tribunals, the Chief Secretary to the State Government concerned shall be the Member;

(e) two Members, who are experts empanelled under section 15 who carried out the assessment of the suitability of candidates; and

(f) one Member Secretary, who shall be the Secretary to the 40 Commission.

(3) A Search-cum-Selection Committee in the case of selection of the Members of a Tribunal shall consist of the following, namely:––

(a) a Chairperson, who shall be a Judicial Member of the Commission;

(b) one Member, who shall be a Technical Member of the 45 Commission;6 THE GAZETTE OF IND6 IA EXTRAORDINARY [Part II—

(c) one Member, who shall be a retired Judge of a High Court nominated by the Chairperson of the Commission;

(d) one Member, who is a Secretary to the Government of India

nominated by the Central Government:

Provided that in case of appointment to the post of Members of the 5 State Administrative Tribunals, the Chief Secretary to the State Government concerned shall be the Member;

(e) two Members, who are experts empanelled under section 15 who carried out the assessment of the suitability of candidates; and

(f) one Member Secretary, who shall be the Secretary to the 10 Commission.

(4) The Chairperson of the Search-cum-Selection Committee shall have the casting vote.

(5) The Member Secretary and the expert Members shall not have any vote.

(6) The Search-cum-Selection Committee, after the selection process, shall 15 forward its recommendation to the Central Government through the Secretariat.

(7) No act or proceeding of a Search-cum-Selection Committee shall be invalid merely by reason of any vacancy in, or any defect in the constitution of, the Committee.

Appointment of 14. (1) Notwithstanding the respective enactments relating to a Tribunal Chairperson and specified in the First Schedule, the qualifications, manner of selection, appointment, 20 Members of salaries and allowances, resignation, removal and other conditions of service of the Tribunals.

Chairperson and Members of such Tribunal shall be such, as may be prescribed:

Provided that the Central Government shall, in making rules under this sub-section, take into consideration the experience and specialisation in the relevant field which may be required for appointment of a person as the 25 Chairperson or a Member of a Tribunal.

(2) The Chairperson and the Members of every Tribunal specified in the First Schedule shall be appointed by the Central Government on the recommendation of the Search-cum-Selection Committee constituted under

section 13. 30

(3) The office of the Chairperson of a Tribunal specified in the First Schedule may be filled either through a selection process or through a search process, as may be determined by the Search-cum-Selection Committee.

(4) The Search-cum-Selection Committee shall adopt such comprehensive

procedure for assessment of candidates as may be prescribed: 35

Provided that the manner of scrutiny of applications and weightage for assessment of candidates shall be such as may be specified by regulations.

(5) Where any person who is or has been a Chairperson or a Member of the Tribunal, applies for reappointment against an advertisement for selection in the Tribunal, the Search-cum-Selection Committee shall, while considering his 40 candidature for selection as per sub-sections (1) and (4), consider his previous

work performance in the Tribunal:

Provided that where a Member is considered for reappointment, the Search-cum-Selection Committee shall consult the president or Chairperson of the concerned Tribunal, in cases other than the reappointment of a Member of a 45 Tribunal constituted by the Central Government under section 44 of the Industrial 35 of 2020.

Relations Code, 2020.

(6) The Search-cum-Selection Committee shall recommend a suitable person for appointment to the post of Chairperson or Member, as the case may be, and shall recommend one additional name for each vacancy to be included in the waiting list. 50Sec. 2] THE GAZETTE OF IND7 IA EXTRAORDINARY 7

(7) The Secretariat shall communicate the recommendation of the Search-cum-Selection Committee, within a period of three days from the date of such recommendation, to the Central Government.

(8) The Central Government shall process the recommendation of the 5 Search-cum-Selection Committee and make the appointment thereto within a period of three months from the date of receipt of such recommendation.

(9) No appointment shall be invalid merely by reason of any vacancy or absence of a Member of the Commission or of a Search-cum-Selection Committee.

15. (1) The Secretariat shall empanel experts from the relevant fields in such Empanelment of 10 manner and on such terms and conditions of engagement including conflict of experts. interest as may be specified by regulations, for providing assistance in the assessment of the suitability of candidates for the posts of Chairpersons and Members of Tribunals.

(2) The experts who carry out the assessment of the suitability of candidates 15 under sub-section (1) shall serve as members of the Search-cum-Selection Committee concerned as constituted under section 13.

16. (1) The Central Government may, by order, remove from office the Removal of Chairperson and Chairperson or Member of a Tribunal, who— Members of

(a) is, or at any time has been, adjudged as an insolvent; or Tribunals.

20 (b) has been convicted of an offence which involves moral turpitude; or

(c) has become physically or mentally incapable of acting as such Chairperson or Member of the Tribunal; or

(d) has acquired such financial or other interest as is likely to affect prejudicially his functions as such Chairperson or Member of the Tribunal; or 25 (e) has so abused his position as to render his continuance in office prejudicial to the public interest; or

(f) has been found incompetent or inefficient; or

(g) has engaged, at any time during his term of office, in any paid assignment.

30 (2) Where a complaint is received against a Chairperson or Member of a Tribunal on any ground specified in clauses (d) to (g) of sub-section (1), the Ministry or Department administering the Tribunal concerned shall conduct a preliminary inquiry to find out whether the complaint discloses such a ground and is supported by material facts and documents, and refer the matter to the 35 Chairperson of the Commission for conduct of inquiry in such manner, as may be prescribed, and the Commission shall, after such inquiry, submit its recommendation to the Central Government, for appropriate action, if any.

(3) No Chairperson or Member of a Tribunal shall be removed from his office on the grounds specified in clauses (d) to (g) of sub-section (1) unless a 40 reference has been made in this behalf to the Commission and an inquiry has been made under sub-section (2).

(4) The Central Government shall, on receipt of the recommendation of the Commission under sub-section (2), take appropriate action as required.

17. (1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time Term of office 45 being in force,— of Chairperson and Member of

(a) the Chairperson of a Tribunal shall hold office for a term of five Tribunal. years or till he attains the age of seventy years, whichever is earlier; and

(b) a Member of a Tribunal shall hold office for a term of five years or till he attains the age of sixty-seven years, whichever is earlier.8 THE GAZETTE OF IND8 IA EXTRAORDINARY [Part II—

(2) The Chairperson or Member of a Tribunal shall be eligible for consideration for reappointment in accordance with the provisions of section 14.

18. (1) The provisions relating to qualifications, manner of selection, Qualifications, manner of appointment, salaries and allowances, resignation, removal and other conditions of selection, etc., of service and eligibility for reappointment of the Chairpersons and Members of the 5 Chairpersons Tribunals under the enactments specified in column (3) of the First Schedule, shall and Members of Tribunals under stand amended in the manner as specified in the Second Schedule.

certain

(2) If the Central Government is satisfied that it is necessary or expedient so to enactments to be governed by this do, it may, by notification published in the Official Gazette, amend the First Schedule Act. and thereupon, the said Schedule shall be deemed to have been amended accordingly. 10

(3) A copy of every notification issued under sub-section (2) shall be laid before each House of Parliament, as soon as may be after it is issued.

CHAPTER IV MISCELLANEOUS Power of 19. (1) The Commission may, in consultation with the Central Government, 15 Commission to for the purposes of this Act, by notification in the Official Gazette, make make regulations not inconsistent with this Act and the rules made thereunder.

regulations.

(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such regulations may provide for––

(a) the manner of holding and transaction of business of the 20 Commission at its meetings under sub-section (1) of section 9;

(b) the manner of advertisement of vacancies and processing of applications;

(c) the manner of scrutiny of applications and weightage for assessment of candidates under the proviso to sub-section (4) of section 14; and 25

(d) the manner of empanelment of experts, their terms and conditions of engagement including conflict of interest under sub-section (1) of section 15.

(3) Every regulation made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive 30 sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the regulation or both Houses agree that the regulation should not be made, the regulation shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be 35 without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that regulation.

Power of Central 20. (1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, Government to make rules for carrying out the purposes of this Act. make rules.

(2) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:— 40

(a) the salaries, allowances and other terms and conditions of holding office of the Chairperson of the Commission and the Members of the Commission under sub-section (3) of section 5;

(b) the manner of constitution of committee and for holding inquiry under sub-section (3) of section 6; 45

(c) the administrative and financial powers of the Commission to be exercised by the Secretary of the Commission under sub-section (2) of section 8;

(d) the number of officers and employees of the Secretariat and their appointment, terms and conditions of service under sub-section (3) of section 8;

(e) the functions of the Secretariat under sub-section (4) of section 8; 50Sec. 2] THE GAZETTE OF IND9 IA EXTRAORDINARY 9

(f) the form for preparing annual statement of accounts under sub-section (1) of section 11;

(g) the qualifications, manner of selection, appointment, salaries and allowances, resignation, removal and other conditions of service of the 5 Chairperson and Members of Tribunals under sub-section (1) of section 14;

(h) the comprehensive procedure for assessment of candidates under sub-section (4) of section 14;

(i) the manner of conduct of inquiry under sub-section (2) of

section 16; and 10 (j) any other matter which is to be, or may be, prescribed for carrying out the purposes of this Act.

(3) Every rule made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive 15 sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the

rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be 20 without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule.

21. No suit, prosecution or other legal proceeding shall lie against the Protection of Central Government or the Commission or any officer of the Central Government action taken in or the Chairperson of the Commission or any Member of the Commission or any g ood faith.

other officer or employee of the Commission, for anything which is in good faith 25 done or intended to be done under this Act or the rules or regulations made thereunder.

22. The provisions of this Act shall have effect notwithstanding anything Act to have inconsistent therewith contained in any enactment specified in column (3) of the overriding effect.

First Schedule.

30 23. (1) If any difficulty arises in giving effect to the provisions of this Act, Power to remove the Central Government may, by general or special order published in the Official difficulties.

Gazette, make such provisions, not inconsistent with the provisions of this Act, as

appear to it to be necessary or expedient for removing the difficulty:

Provided that no such order shall be made after the expiry of a period of 35 three years from the date of commencement of this Act.

(2) Every order made under this section shall, as soon as may be after it is made, be laid before each House of Parliament.

33 of 2021. 24. (1) The Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021 is hereby repealed. Repeal and savings.

(2) Notwithstanding such repeal,— 40 (a) anything done or any action taken under the enactments specified in column (3) of the First Schedule, shall be as valid and as effective in law as if such thing or action was done or taken under the corresponding provisions of those enactments, as amended by the Second Schedule to this Act;

(b) the salary, allowances and the other terms and conditions of service 45 of the Chairperson and Members of a Tribunal specified in the First Schedule, appointed on or after the commencement of this Act, shall be governed by the provisions of this Act and the rules made thereunder;10 THE GAZETTE OF IN1D0I A EXTRAORDINARY [Part II—

(c) the salary, allowances and other terms and conditions of service of the Chairperson and Members of any Tribunal specified in the First Schedule, whose appointments were made on or before the 1st October, 2021 based on the selection or recommendation of the Search-cum-Selection Committee made in accordance with the provisions of the respective 5 enactments or the rules made thereunder, shall continue to be governed by such enactments or the rules made thereunder;

(d) in other cases, where any person was appointed as the Chairperson or Member of a Tribunal in accordance with the provisions of Chapter II of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, on or after the 4th April, 2021 and before 10 33 of 2021.

the commencement of this Act, and holding office as such immediately before the date of commencement of this Act, shall continue to hold office till the completion of a term of five years from the date of such appointment, or the age of seventy years, or sixty-seven years, as the case may be, whichever is earlier, and shall be eligible for reappointment; and 15

(e) subject to the provisions of clause (d), the salary, allowances and the other terms and conditions of service of the Chairperson and Members of any Tribunal specified in the First Schedule, who were appointed in accordance with the provisions of Chapter II of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, before the commencement of this Act, and holding office as such 20 33 of 2021.

on the date of commencement of this Act, may not be varied to their disadvantage till the completion of their respective term.

(3) Notwithstanding the repeal of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021 and 33 of 2021. anything contained in any judgment, order or decree of any Court, or in any law for the time being in force,— 25

(a) any Search-cum-Selection Committee constituted in respect of any Tribunal specified in the First Schedule, as per the provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021 or the rules made thereunder, prior to the 33 of 2021.

establishment of the National Tribunals Commission under this Act, shall continue and complete the process of selection of Chairperson and Members 30 of such Tribunal under the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, and the appointment, salary, allowances and the other terms and conditions of service of the Chairperson or Member so selected and appointed shall be governed by the provisions of this Act; and

(b) the appointment of any person as Chairperson or Chairman or 35 President or Vice-Chairperson or Vice-Chairman or Vice-President or Presiding Officer or Member of a Tribunal, Appellate Tribunal, or as the case may be, other Authority, on the basis of selection or recommendation already made by the Search-cum-Selection Committee in accordance with the provisions of Chapter II of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, before the 40 33 of 2021.

commencement of this Act, shall be deemed to have been made under the provisions of this Act.

(4) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (2), the provisions of

section 6 of the General Clauses Act, 1897 shall apply with regard to the effect 10 of 1897. of repeal. 45Sec. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 11 THE FIRST SCHEDULE [Seesection 2(l)] Sl. Tribunal/Appellate Enactments No. Tribunal/Authority

(1) (2) (3)

1. Customs, Excise and The Customs Act, 1962 (52 of 1962) Service Tax Appellate Tribunal

2. Appellate Tribunal The Smugglers and Foreign Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act, 1976 (13 of 1976)

3. Central Administrative The Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 Tribunal (13 of 1985)

4. State Administrative The Administrative Tribunals Act, 1985 Tribunals (13 of 1985)

5. Railway Claims Tribunal The Railway Claims Tribunal Act, 1987 (54 of 1987)

6. Securities Appellate The Securities and Exchange Board of Tribunal India Act, 1992 (15 of 1992)

7. Debts Recovery Tribunal The Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Act, 1993 (51of 1993)

8. Debts Recovery The Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy Appellate Tribunal Act, 1993 (51 of 1993)

9. Telecom Disputes The Telecom Regulatory Authority of Settlement and Appellate India Act, 1997 (24 of 1997) Tribunal

10. Appellate Tribunal for The Electricity Act, 2003 (36of 2003) Electricity

11. Armed Forces Tribunal The Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007 (55of 2007)

12. National Green Tribunal The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 (19 of 2010)

13. National Company Law The Companies Act, 2013 (18 of 2013) Appellate Tribunal

14. National Consumer The Consumer Protection Act, 2019 Disputes Redressal (35 of 2019) Commission

15. Industrial Tribunal The Industrial Relations Code, 2020 constituted by the Central (35 of 2020) Government

16. Income-tax Appellate The Income-tax Act, 2025 (30 of 2025).

Tribunal 1112 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [Part II— THE SECOND SCHEDULE (Seesection 18) Amendments to certain enactments Marginal headings

(1) (2)

1. In section 129 of the Customs Act, 1962, for Amendment of sub-section (7), the following sub-section shall be Act 52 of 1962. substituted, namely:–– “(7) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the qualifications, manner of selection, appointment, salaries and allowances, resignation, removal and other conditions of service and eligibility for reappointment of a President, Vice-President and other Members of the Appellate Tribunal under this Act shall be governed by the provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2026.”.

2. For section 12A of the Smugglers and Foreign Amendment of Exchange Manipulators (Forfeiture of Property) Act, 1976, Act 13 of 1976. the following section shall be substituted, namely:–– “12A. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Selection, Act, the qualifications, manner of selection, qualifications, appointment, salaries and allowances, resignation, conditions of removal and other conditions of service and eligibility service, for reappointment of a Chairperson and Members of the allowances, etc.

Appellate Tribunal under this Act shall be governed by the provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2026.”.

3.For section 10B of the Administrative TribunalsAct, 1985, Amendment of the following section shall be substituted, namely:— Act 13 of 1985. “10B. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Selection, Act, the qualifications, manner of selection, qualifications, appointment, salaries and allowances, resignation, conditions of removal and other conditions of service and eligibility service, for reappointment of a Chairman and Members of the allowances, etc.

Tribunal under this Act shall be governed by the provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2026.”.

4. For section 9A of the Railway Claims Tribunal Amendment of Act, 1987, the following section shall be substituted, namely:— Act 54 of 1987. “9A. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, Selection, the qualifications, manner of selection, appointment, qualifications, salaries and allowances, resignation, removal and other conditions of conditions of service and eligibility for reappointment service, of a Chairman, Vice-Chairman and other Members of allowances, etc.

the Tribunal under this Act shall be governed by the provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2026.”.

5. For section 15QA of the Securities and Exchange Amendment of Board of India Act, 1992, the following section shall be Act 15 of 1992. substituted, namely:–– “15QA. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Selection, Act, the qualifications, manner of selection, appointment, qualifications, salaries and allowances, resignation, removal and other conditions of conditions of service and eligibility for reappointment of service, a Presiding Officer and Members of the Securities allowances, etc.

Appellate Tribunal under this Act shall be governed by the provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2026.”.

12Sec. 2] THE GAZETTE OF IN1D3I A EXTRAORDINARY 13

(1) (2)

6. In the Recovery of Debts and Bankruptcy A m e n dment of Act, 1993,— Act 51 of 1993.

(a) for section 6A, the following section shall be substituted, namely:–– “6A. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Selection, Act, the qualifications, manner of selection, qualifications, appointment, salaries and allowances, resignation, conditions of removal and other conditions of service and service, eligibility for reappointment of a Presiding Officer of allowances, etc.

the Tribunal under this Act shall be governed by the provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2026.”;

(b) for section 15A, the following section shall be substituted, namely:–– “15A. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Selection, Act, the qualifications, manner of selection, qualifications, appointment, salaries and allowances, resignation, conditions of removal and other conditions of service and service, eligibility for reappointment of a Chairperson of the allowances, etc.

Appellate Tribunal under this Act shall be governed by the provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2026.”.

7. For section 14GA of the Telecom Regulatory Amendment of Authority of India Act, 1997, the following section shall be Act 24 of 1997. substituted, namely:–– “14GA. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Selection, Act, the qualifications, manner of selection, qualifications, appointment, salaries and allowances, resignation, conditions of removal and other conditions of service and eligibility service, for reappointment of a Chairperson and Members of the allowances, etc.

Appellate Tribunal under this Act shall be governed by the provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2026.”.

8. For section 117A of the Electricity Act, 2003, the Amendment of following section shall be substituted, namely:–– Act 36 of 2003. “117A. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Selection, Act, the qualifications, manner of selection, qualifications, appointment, salaries and allowances, resignation, conditions of removal and other conditions of service and eligibility service, for reappointment of a Chairperson and Members of the allowances, etc.

Appellate Tribunal under this Act shall be governed by the provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2026.”.

9. For section 9A of the Armed Forces Tribunal Act, 2007, Amendment of the following section shall be substituted, namely:–– Act 55 of 2007. “9A. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, Selection, the qualifications, manner of selection, appointment, qualifications, salaries and allowances, resignation, removal and other conditions of conditions of service and eligibility for reappointment service, of a Chairperson and Members of the Tribunal under allowances, etc.

this Act shall be governed by the provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2026.”.14 THE GAZETTE OF IN1D4IA EXTRAORDINARY [Part II—

(1) (2)

10. For section 10A of the National Green Tribunal Amendment of Act, 2010,the following section shall be substituted, namely:–– Act 19 of 2010. “10A. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, Selection, the qualifications, manner of selection, appointment, qualifications, salaries and allowances, resignation, removal and other conditions of conditions of service and eligibility for reappointment of service, a Chairperson, Judicial Member and Expert Member of allowances, etc.

the Tribunal under this Act shall be governed by the provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2026.”.

11. For section 417A of the Companies Act, 2013, the Amendment of following section shall be substituted, namely:–– Act 18 of 2013. “417A. Notwithstanding anything contained in this Selection, Act, the qualifications, manner of selection, qualifications, appointment, salaries and allowances, resignation, conditions of removal and other conditions of service and eligibility service, for reappointment of a Chairperson and Members of the allowances, etc.

Appellate Tribunal under this Act shall be governed by the provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2026.”.

12.In section 55 of the Consumer Protection Act, 2019, Amendment of for sub-section (1A), the following sub-section shall be Act 35 of 2019. substituted, namely:— “(1A) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the qualifications, manner of selection, appointment, salaries and allowances, resignation, removal and other conditions of service and eligibility for reappointment of a President and members of the National Commission under this Act shall be governed by the provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2026.”.

13. In the Industrial Relations Code, 2020, in Amendment of

section 44,— Act 35 of 2020.

(a) for sub-section (4), the following sub-section shall be substituted, namely:— “(4) Notwithstanding anything contained in this Act, the qualifications, manner of selection, appointment, salaries and allowances, resignation, removal and other conditions of service and eligibility for reappointment of Judicial Member and Administrative Member of an Industrial Tribunal under this Act shall be governed by the provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2026.”;

(b) for sub-section (9), the following sub-section shall be substituted, namely:–– “(9) If, for any reason, a vacancy (other than a temporary absence) occurs in a National Industrial Tribunal or the Tribunal constituted by the State Government under sub-section (1), then, such vacancy shall be filled up in such manner as may be prescribed, without prejudice to sub-section (5), and the proceeding shall be continued before such National Industrial Tribunal or the Tribunal constituted by the State Government, from the stage at which the vacancy is filled.”.Sec. 2] THE GAZETTE OF IN1D5IA EXTRAORDINARY 15

(1) (2)

14. In section 361 of the Income-tax Act, 2025, for Amendment of sub-section (2), the following sub-section shall be Act 30 of 2025. substituted, namely:–– “(2) Irrespective of anything contained in this Act, the qualifications, manner of selection, appointment, salaries and allowances, resignation, removal and other conditions of service and eligibility for reappointment of the President, Vice-President and other Members of the Appellate Tribunal appointed after the commencement of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2026, shall be governed by the provisions of the said Act.”.16 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [Part II— STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS The Central Government initiated the process of rationalisation of Tribunals in theyear 2015. Through the Finance Act, 2017, certain Tribunals were abolished or merged and the Central Government was empowered to make rules to provide for the appointments, tenure and qualifications of Chairpersons and Members of various Tribunals. Subsequently, the Tribunals Reforms (Rationalisation and Conditions of Service) Ordinance, 2021 was promulgated on the 4th April, 2021, which was replaced by the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021. The said Act, inter alia, stipulated the procedure for selection and appointment of Chairpersons and Members of various Tribunals and provided for their uniform terms and conditions of service.

2.The Supreme Court, in the matter of Madras Bar Association vs. Union of India [(2026) 2 SCC 1], struck down certain provisions of the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021, inter alia, on the grounds that they are contrary to the principles of separation of powers and judicial independence and not in consonance with the earlier judicial pronouncements that have clarified the standards governing the appointment, tenure and functioning of Chairpersons and Members of Tribunals.

Further, the Court, inter alia, directed for the establishment of a National Tribunals Commission, which is independent, has professional expertise, and adopts a transparent process and oversight mechanism for selection and appointment of Chairpersons and Members of various Tribunals.

3. Accordingly, in consonance with the directions of the Supreme Court in various judgments including Madras Bar Association vs. Union of India, [(2026) 2 SCC 1], it is proposed to repeal the Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021 and introduce the Tribunals Reforms Bill, 2026, which, inter alia, provides for the establishment of the National Tribunals Commission, the qualifications, manner of selection, appointment, salaries and allowances, resignation, removal and other conditions of service of the Chairpersons and Members of various Tribunals specified in the First Schedule to the Bill. It is also proposed to make necessary consequential amendments in the related enactments governing various Tribunals.

4.The Bill seeks to achieve the above objectives.

NEWDELHI; ARJUN RAM MEGHWAL.

The6th August, 2026.

16Sec. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 17 FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM Clause 3 of the Bill provides for the establishment of a National Tribunals Commission (the said Commission) to be headed by a former Judge of the Supreme Court or Chief Justice of a High Court, along with two Judicial and two Technical Members, and a Secretariat headed by an officer of the rank of Secretary to the Government of India with required officers and staff. The Bill also seeks for the creation of two additional posts of Level-14 (Joint Secretary Level) for the Secretariat of thesaidCommission.

2.The proposal involves the creation of posts and consequent administrative expenditure for the said Commission and its Secretariat. It is estimated that recurring expenditure of 24.79 crore rupees and non-recurring expenditure of

2.35 crorerupees, totalling 27.14 crorerupees, per annum, is likely to be incurred.

Further, an increase of 10 per cent. in recurring expenditure in the second and third year over the previous year, and 20per cent. or 25per cent. of non-recurring expenditure earmarked for the first year, is expected.

3. In view of the above, the Bill if enacted would involve expenditure as stated hereinabove from and out of the Consolidated Fund of India.

1718 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [Part II— MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 3 of the Bill provides for establishment of a Commission to be called the National Tribunals Commission to exercise the powers conferred upon it and to perform the functions assigned to it under the proposed legislation.

Sub-clause (1) of clause 19 of the Bill empowers the National Tribunals Commission to make regulations not inconsistent with the proposed legislation and the rules made thereunder, in consultation with the Central Government.

Sub-clause (2) specifies the matters in respect of which such regulations may be made. These matters, inter alia, include––

(a) the manner of holding and transaction of business of the Commission at its meetings under sub-section (1) of section 9; (b) the manner of advertisement of vacancies and processing of applications; (c) the manner of scrutiny of applications and weightage for assessment of candidates under the proviso to sub-section (4) of section 14; and (d) the manner of empanelment of experts, their terms and conditions of engagement including conflict of interest under sub-section (1) of section 15.

Sub-clause (3) of clause 19, inter alia, provides that every regulation made by the National Tribunals Commission under the proposed legislation is required to be laid before each House of Parliament

2. Sub-clause (1) of clause 20 of the Bill empowers the Central Government to make rules for carrying out the provisions of the proposed legislation and to publish the same in the Official Gazette. Sub-clause (2) specifies the matters in respect of which such rules may be made. These matters, inter alia, include––

(a) the salaries, allowances and other terms and conditions of holding office of the Chairperson of the Commission and the Members of the Commission under sub-section (3) of section 5; (b) the manner of constitution of committee and for holding inquiry under sub-section (3) of

section 6; (c) the administrative and financial powers of the Commission to be exercised by the Secretary of the Commission under sub-section (2) of

section 8; (d) the number of officers and employees of the Secretariat and their appointment, terms and conditions of service under sub-section (3) of

section 8; (e) the functions of the Secretariat under sub-section (4) of

section 8; (f) the form for preparing annual statement of accounts under sub-section (1) of section 11; (g) the qualifications, manner of selection, appointment, salaries and allowances, resignation, removal and other conditions of service of the Chairperson and Members of Tribunals under sub-section (1) of section 14; (h) the comprehensive procedure for assessment of candidates under sub-section (4) of section 14; (i) the manner of conduct of inquiry under sub-section (2) of section 16; and (j) any other matter which is to be, or may be prescribed for carrying out the purposes of this Act.

Sub-clause (3) of clause 20 provides that every rule made under the proposed legislation is required to be laid before each House of Parliament.

3. The matters in respect of which regulations and rules may be made are matters of procedure or administrative detail and it is not practicable to provide for them in the Bill itself. The delegation of legislative power is, therefore, of a normal character.

18Sec. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 19 BBIiLllL NNoo.. 115544 oOfF 2 2002266 A Bill furtherto amend the Minesand Minerals (Developmentand Regulation)Act,1957.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-seventh Year of the Republic of

India as follows:—

1. (1) This Act may be called the Mines and Minerals (Development and Short title and Regulation)AmendmentAct, 2026. commencement.

5 (2) It shall come intoforceon suchdateastheCentralGovernment may,by

notification in the Official Gazette,appoint20 THE GAZETTE OF IND2IA EXTRAORDINARY [Part II— Amendment of 2. In the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 67 of 1957.

section 2. (hereinafter referred to as the principal Act), in section 2, after the words “regulation of mines”, the words “and mineral bearing lands” shall be inserted.

Amendment of 3. In section 3 of the principal Act, after clause (ad), the following clause

section 3. shall be inserted, namely:— 5 ‘(ada) “mineral bearing land” means any land having the mineral contents in accordance with the parameters prescribed under clause (a) of sub-section (2) of section 5;’.

Insertion of new 4. After section 9C of the principal Act, the following section shall be

section 9D. inserted, namely:— 10 Certain “9D. (1) No tax, cess or such other levy (by whatever name called) conditionsor shall be imposed by the State Government on— restrictionson imposition of

(a)mineral rights; or tax,cess, etc.

(b) mineral bearing lands, either based on mineral quantity or mineral value or royalty payable or otherwise, 15 except in accordance with such conditions or restrictions as may be prescribed by the Central Government.

(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in any other law for the time being in force, or in any judgment, decree or order of any court, the imposition of any such tax, cess or other levyby the State Governmenton— 20

(a)mineral rights; or

(b) mineral bearing lands either based on mineral quantity or mineral value or royalty payable or otherwise, which is not deposited with the State Government or recovered by it before the commencement of the Mines and Minerals (Development and 25 Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, shall be deemed to be invalid at all

material times:

Provided that any such tax, cess or other levy on mineral rights or on mineral bearing lands, already deposited with the State Government or recovered by it before such commencement, shall not be liable to be 30 refunded.”.

Amendmentof

5. In section 13 of the principal Act, in sub-section (2), after clause (t), the

section 13. following clause shall be inserted, namely:— “(ta) the conditions or restrictions on imposition of tax, cess or such other levy undersub-section (1) of section 9D;”. 35Sec. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 21 STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS Minerals constitute an important natural resource which are of great geopolitical importance and are critical to infrastructure (including digital infrastructure), manufacturing, energy security, and the overall economic development of the country. Sustainable and uniform development of minerals across the country is an important pillar to subserve the public interest. Hence, in view of the larger public interest, the Union has taken under its control the regulation of mines and the development of minerals under section 2 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957(the MMDR Act).

2. Mineral resources are finite and concentrated in a few States, and their extraction and management have to be guided by long-term national goals of sustainable, equitable and uniform development integrated into the overall strategy of the country’s economic development. Any regional disparity in fiscal impositions on minerals impacts public interest. Unbalanced imposition of steep taxes and levies will prompt the industry to completely bypass local supply lines, leading to sub-optimal development of markets, increased transportation costs and the resultant pollution load. There is also a risk of an increase in imports of minerals despite having sufficient local mineral resources as domestic mineral supply becomes expensive. The uneven imposition of taxes or other levies on mineral rights and mineral bearing lands by the State Governments in the absence of reasonable limitations have resulted in various issues, such as—

(i)heavy tax burden in the sector;

(ii) unpredictable introduction of tax, cess and other levies, even after commencement of mining operations;

(iii) multiple taxes, cess and other levies on production or dispatch of minerals;

(iv)non-uniformity of rates of tax and other levies among States;

(v)imposition of tax, cess or levies with retrospective effect.

3. Excessive fiscal burden makes mining operations commercially unviable, discourages mineral extraction, adversely affects mineral production and in some cases, leads to closure of mines. Any additional and unpredictable costs disproportionately may lead to adverse impact on small and medium-scale mining operators. Multiple and inconsistent taxes hamper development of the mineral industry and slow down economic growth resulting in cascading tax effect and high compliance costs. An excessive tax burden at the extraction stage or otherwise may ultimately increase the cost of goods and services and, consequently, the cost of living for the common citizen in the country. Further, any retrospective imposition of taxes would cause legal uncertainty and erode investors’ trust.

4. Any fiscal burden imposed on mineral extraction should be guided by a uniform and balanced fiscal framework across the country. The cumulative incidence of different levies should not become disproportionate to the economic value and profitability of the mining operations. There is also a need to ensure certainty, stability and predictability of the fiscal regime applicable to mining. The State has the power, coupled with the duty as a trustee of natural resources of the nation, to advance the national interest, inter alia, by ensuring harmonised mineral development (and consequent economic development) across the nation, rather than creating localised pockets of mineral resource driven growth.

5. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, inter alia, provides forthe following,namely:— 322 THE GAZETTE OF IND4IA EXTRAORDINARY [Part II—

(i) the Union will take under its control the regulation of mineral bearing lands having the mineral contents in accordance with the parameters prescribed by the Central Government under the MMDR Act. This is in addition to the existing provision which declares the Union’s control over the regulation of mines and the development of minerals;

(ii) insertion of a new section 9D in the MMDR Act which provides that no tax, cess or such other levy (by whatever name called) shall be imposed by the State Government on mineral rights; or mineral bearing lands, either based on mineral quantity, mineral value, royalty or otherwise, except in accordance with such conditions or restrictions as may be prescribed by the Central Government. It further seeks to provide that any such tax, cess or other levy which is not deposited with the State Government or recovered by it before the commencement of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Act, 2026, shall be deemed to be invalid at all material times. However, any such tax, cess or other levy on mineral rights or on mineral bearing lands, already deposited with the State Government or recovered by it before such commencement, shall not be liable to be refunded.

6. The above amendments strive to provide certainty, stability and predictability in the fiscal regime in the mineral sector, thereby giving impetus to national economic growth which would facilitate the aims of Atmanirbhar Bharat and ultimately attaining the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

7.The Bill seeks to achieve the above objectives.

NEWDELHI; G.KISHAN REDDY.

The7thAugust, 2026.Sec. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 23 FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, if enacted, would not involve any expenditure, either recurring or non-recurring nature, from the Consolidated Fund of India.

524 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [Part II— MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 5 of the Bill seeks to amend section 13 of the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Act, 1957 so as to empower the Central Government to make rules for prescribing the conditions or restrictions subject to which the State Government may impose tax, cess or such other levy on mineral rights or on mineral bearing lands.

2.The matters in respect of which the rules may be made under the aforesaid provision are matters of detail and it is not practicable to provide for them in the Bill itself. The delegation of legislative power is, therefore, of a normal character.

6Sec. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 25 LOK SABHA ------ CORRIGENDUM to The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026 [To be/As introduced in Lok Sabha] S. No. Page No. Line No. For Read

1. 2 20 “imposition of any such “imposition of such tax,” tax,” NEW DELHI;

August 08, 2026_______ Sravana 17, 1948 (Saka)26 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [Part II— BBILilLl NNoo.. 115555 OofF 2 2002266 A Bill to alter the name of the State ofKerala.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-seventh Year of the Republic of

India as follows:—

1. (1)ThisActmaybe called the Kerala (Alteration of Name)Act, 2026. Short title and commencement.

(2) It shall come intoforceon suchdateastheCentralGovernment may,by 5 notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.

2.In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,–– Definitions.

(a) “appointed day” means the date appointed under sub-section (2) of

section 1;

(b) “appropriate Government” means, as respects a law relating to a 10 matter enumerated in List I in the Seventh Schedule to the Constitution, the Central Government, and as respects any other law, the State Government;Sec. 2] THE GAZETTE OF IND2IA EXTRAORDINARY 27

(c)“law” includes any enactment, Ordinance, regulation, order, bye-law,

rule, scheme, notification or other instrument having the force of law in the whole or any part of the State of Kerala.

3. On and from the appointed day, the State of Kerala shall be known as the Alteration of name of State of State of Keralam. 5 Kerala.

Amendment of 4. In article 31A of the Constitution, in clause (2), in sub-clause (a), in article 31A. item (i), for the word “Kerala”, the word “Keralam” shall be substituted.

Amendment of 5. In article 290A of the Constitution, for the word “Kerala”, the word article 290A. “Keralam” shall be substituted.

Amendment of 6. In the First Schedule to the Constitution, under the heading “I. THE 10 First Schedule to STATES”, in entry 5, under the column “Name”, for the word “Kerala”, the word Constitution. “Keralam” shall be substituted.

Amendment of 7.In the Fourth Schedule to the Constitution, under the heading “TABLE”, in Fourth Schedule entry 9, in the second column, for the word “Kerala”, the word “Keralam” shall be to Constitution. 15 substituted.

Power to adapt 8.(1) For the purpose of giving effect to the alteration of the name of the State laws. of Kerala by section 3, the appropriate Government may, before the expiration of one year from the appointed day, by order, make such adaptations and modifications of any law made before the appointed day, whether by way of repeal or amendment, as may be necessary or expedient, and thereupon every such law shall have effect 20 subject to the adaptations and modifications so made.

(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall be deemed to prevent a competent Legislature or other competent authority from repealing or amending any law adapted or modified by the appropriate Government under the said sub-section.

Power to 9.Notwithstanding that no provision or insufficient provision has been made 25 construe laws. under section 8 for the adaptation of a law made before the appointed day, any court, tribunal or authority, required or empowered to enforce such law, may construe the law in such manner,without affecting the substance, as may be necessary or proper in regard to the matter before the court, tribunal or authority.

Legal 10. Where immediately before the appointed day any legal proceedings are 30 proceedings. pending to which the State of Kerala is a party, the State of Keralam shall be deemed to have been substituted for the State of Kerala in those proceedings.28 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [Part II— STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS The Government of Kerala forwarded to the Central Government, the resolution passed by the Legislative Assembly of Kerala on 24th June, 2024 stating, inter alia, that necessary steps may be taken to amend the First Schedule to the Constitution by modifying the name of State of “Kerala” as “Keralam” in accordance with article 3 of the Constitution.

2. As required by the proviso to article 3 of the Constitution, the President referred the Bill to the Legislature of the State of Kerala for expressing its views thereon. The Legislative Assembly of Kerala considered the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill,2026 and adopted a unanimous Resolution agreeing with the Bill.

3.The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 provides for such alteration of name of the State of Kerala and contains necessary amendments to the provisions of the Constitution and also consequential provisions.

NEWDELHI; AMIT SHAH.

The29thJuly, 2026. ———— PRESIDENT’S RECOMMENDATION UNDERARTICLE 3 OF THE CONSTITUTION OF INDIA ———— [Copy of letter No. 19012/01/2026-SR dated the 07.08.2026 from Shri Amit Shah, Minister of Home Affairs and Cooperation to the Secretary-General, Lok Sabha] The President, having been informed of the subject matter of the proposed “Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026”, recommends the introduction of the Bill in the Lok Sabha under article 3 of the Constitution of India.

———— 3Sec. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 29 MEMORANDUM REGARDING DELEGATED LEGISLATION Clause 8 of the Bill empowers the State Government to adapt and modify existing laws for the purpose of giving effect to the alteration of name of the State of Kerala to Keralam by clause 3. This power will be available only for a period of one year from the appointed day. The adaptations and modifications cannot affect the substance of the laws adapted.

2.The delegation of legislative power is of a normal character.

430 THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY [Part II— NATIONAL CO-OPERAVE DEVELOPMENT N (AMENDMENT 2026 BBILilLl NNoo.. 115566 oOfF 2 2002266 A Bill further to amend the National Co-operative Development Corporation Act, 1962.

BE it enacted by Parliament in the Seventy-seventh Year of the Republic of

India as follows:––

1. (1) This Act may be called the National Co-operative Development Short title and commencement.

Corporation (Amendment) Act, 2026.

5 (2) It shall come into force on such date as the Central Government may, by

notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.

26 of 1962. 2. In the National Co-operative Development Corporation Act, 1962 Amendment of

section 2. (hereinafter referred to as the principal Act), in section 2,––

(a)clause (aba) shall be omitted;Sec. 2] THE GAZETTE OF IND2I A EXTRAORDINARY 31

(b) after clause (b), the following clause shall be inserted, namely:–– ‘(ba) “co-operative development” means planning, promoting and financing programmes, whether directly or through any intermediary entity, to co-operative societies;’;

(c) in clause (c), for the words and figures “the Multi-State Co-operative 5 Societies Act, 1984 or under any other law with respect to co-operative 51 of 1984. societies for the time being in force in any State”, the words and figures “the Multi-State Co-operative Societies Act, 2002 or under any other law with 39 of 2002.

respect to co-operative societies for the time being in force” shall be substituted; 10

(d) in clause (da), after sub-clause (viii), the following sub-clauses shall be inserted, namely:–– “(ix) processed food and other edible products;

(x) any other food items as may be notified by the Central Government;”; 15

(e) in clause (dba), for the words “in the rural area and includes any handicrafts or rural crafts”, the words “including any handicrafts or other crafts” shall be substituted;

(f) after clause (dd), the following clause shall be inserted, namely:–– ‘(de) “notification” means a notification published in the Official 20 Gazette and the expression “notify” or “notified” shall be construed accordingly;’.

Omission of 3. Section 2A of the principal Act shall be omitted.

section 2A.

Amendment of

4. In section 3 of the principal Act, in sub-section (4), clause (vii) shall

section 3. be omitted. 25

5. In section 9 of the principal Act,–– Amendment of

section 9.

(a) in sub-section (1),––

(i) for the words “, through co-operative societies”, the words “for co-operative development” shall be substituted;

(ii) in clause (a), for the words “and notified commodities”, the 30 words “, notified commodities and industrial goods” shall be substituted;

(b) in sub-section (2),––

(i) for clause (b), the following clause shall be substituted,

namely:–– 35 “(b) provide funds to State Governments for financing co-operative societies or any entity engaged in co-operative development, for the purchase of agricultural produce, foodstuffs, livestock, poultry feed, industrial goods, notified commodities and notified services on behalf of the Central Government, to the extent 40 such funds are used for co-operative societies;”;

(ii) after clause (d), the following clause shall be inserted, namely:–– “(da) provide loans and grants directly to co-operative societies or any entity engaged in co-operative development to the extent such funds are used for co-operative societies, subject to 45 furnishing security, as may be required by the Corporation;”;32 THE GAZETTE OF IND3I A EXTRAORDINARY [Part II—

(iii) after clause (f), the following clause shall be inserted,

namely:–– “(g) with the approval of the Central Government, participate in the share capital of co-operative societies other than a 5 co-operative society referred to in clause (f), or any entity engaged in co-operative development.”;

(c) after sub-section (3), the following sub-section shall be inserted,

namely:–– “(4) The entity engaged in co-operative development shall be such 10 as may be determined by the Board.”.

6. After section 9 of the principal Act, the following section shall be inserted, Insertion of

namely:–– new section 9A. “9A. The Corporation may do all such things as may be necessary or Incidental powers. incidental to or consequential upon the exercise of its powers, discharge of its 15 functions and the performance of its duties, under this Act, or under any other law for the time being in force.”.

7. After section 13 of the principal Act, the following section shall be inserted, Insertion of new section

namely:–– 13A. “13A. The Corporation may, for the purpose of the efficient discharge of Credit 20 its functions under this Act, collect from or furnish to the Central Government, information. the Reserve Bank or any banking company or such other financial institution as may be notified by the Central Government in this behalf, credit information or other information.”.Sec. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 33 STATEMENT OF OBJECTS AND REASONS The National Co-operative Development Corporation Act, 1962 was enacted to provide for the incorporation and regulation of the National Co-operative Development Corporation for planning, and promoting programmes, through co-operative societies, for the production, processing, marketing, storage, export and import of agricultural produce, foodstuffs, industrial goods, livestock and certain other commodities and services and for matters connected therewith.

2. The Act was amended in the years 1973, 1974 and 2002 to diversify the sources of funds of the Corporation, expand the scope of its activities, enable direct financing of eligible co-operative societies and include notified services within its mandate. The statutory framework continues to envisage financial assistance either through State Governments or directly to registered co-operative societies.

3.The co-operative sector has expanded and diversified considerably in recent years. Statutory bodies, State Government agencies and other specialised entities are increasingly engaged in providing infrastructure, technology, processing, marketing, financial and other services for the development of co-operatives. Since such entities may not be registered as co-operative societies, the Corporation is presently unable to finance them directly, even where their activities are intended to benefit the co-operative sector. Consequently, such proposals are required to be routed through State Governments or co-operative societies, resulting in procedural delays and limited uptake.

4.The establishment of a separate Ministry of Cooperation in July, 2021 and the initiatives undertaken by the Central Government in furtherance of the vision of “Sahakar se Samriddhi” have substantially enhanced the role of the Corporation in co-operative development.

5. In view of the expanding requirements of the co-operative sector, it is considered necessary to broaden the mandate of the Corporation from planning and promoting programmes through co-operative societies to plan and promote programmes for co-operative development. It is proposed to enable the Corporation to provide loans and grants directly to co-operative societies or any entity engaged in co-operative development to the extent such funds are used for co-operative societies, subject to furnishing security as may be required by the Corporation. The National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, provides for the Corporation to participate in the share capital of any co-operatives or any entity engaged in co-operative development, with the approval of the Central Government. The co-operative societies shall continue to remain the primary beneficiaries, while the proposed Bill widens the institutional channels through which assistance may reach and strengthen the co-operative sector.

6.Further, the National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, inter alia, provides for the following, namely:—

(a) to expand the definition of “foodstuffs” to include any other food items as may be notified by the Central Government;

(b)to remove the geographical restriction applicable to industrial goods so as to enable assistance for such activities irrespective of their location;

(c) to update certain statutory references and omit obsolete provisions relating to institutions and frameworks which are no longer in existence;

(d) to confer upon the Corporation such incidental powers as may be necessary for the effective discharge of its functions;

(e)to enable the Corporation to collect and furnish credit information or other information to specified authorities and financial institutions for the efficient discharge of its functions; and 434 THE GAZETTE OF IND5I A EXTRAORDINARY [Part II—

(f) to enable greater flexibility and legal clarity to the Corporation, facilitate timely and direct financial assistance for co-operative development and to respond effectively to the emerging and diversified requirements of the co-operative sector.

7. The Bill seeks to achieve the above objectives.

NEW DELHI ; AMIT SHAH.

The 7th August, 2026.Sec. 2] THE GAZETTE OF INDIA EXTRAORDINARY 35 FINANCIAL MEMORANDUM The National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, if enacted would not involve any expenditure either recurring or non-recurring from the Consolidated Fund of India.

———— UTPAL KUMAR SINGH, Secretary-General.

UTPAL KUMAR SINGH Secretary General UPLOADED BY THE MANAGER, GOVERNMENT OF INDIA PRESS, MINTO ROAD, NEW DELHI–110002 AND PUBLISHED BY THE CONTROLLER OF PUBLICATIONS, DELHI–110054.

MGIPMRND—500GI(S4)—10-08-2026. 6