Your weekly dose of legal insights, industry trends, and research-driven updates
1. SEBI extends timeline for algorithmic trading safeguards, ensuring safer retail investor participation and market stability
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) has extended the timeline for implementing its February 4, 2025 circular on enhancing retail investor safety in algorithmic trading. The extension, announced through a circular dated September 30, 2025, aims to provide market participants additional time to adapt to the prescribed measures. The framework focuses on preventing misuse of algorithmic strategies, strengthening risk controls and safeguarding small investors from potential systemic risks associated with automated trading. SEBI emphasized that the revised timeline will balance technological adoption with investor protection and legal safeguards for market integrity. The regulator reaffirmed its commitment to promoting innovation while upholding transparency and investor confidence.
2. Vaibhav Parikh: AI adoption and simplified tax regime crucial for India’s M&A growth prospects
At ETLegalWorld AI Summit 2025, Vaibhav Parikh Partner at Nishith Desai Associates emphasized the transformative potential of artificial intelligence in legal practice. He noted that while technology adoption so far has been incremental, AI integration will fundamentally change law firms’ business models, enabling faster delivery of complex advice and even assisting in negotiations. Parikh predicted a surge in mergers and acquisitions in 2025, driven by both distressed assets and expansion opportunities shaped by global tech and geopolitical shifts. Stressing the importance of regulatory clarity, he called for simplified tax laws to strengthen India’s ease of doing business and attract greater investment.
3. ‘Verdict Finder’ Portal Launched by Supreme Court to Strengthen Transparency and Legal Research Accessibility
In a significant move towards digitizing legal research the Supreme Court of India has officially launched the 'Verdict Finder' portal. Announced through a circular dated September 26, 2025, the platform utilizes Elastic Search technology to provide users with a comprehensive database of all Supreme Court orders and judgments both reportable and non-reportable. Accessible via verdictfinder.sci.gov.in or through the Supreme Court official website under the 'e-Services' navigation bar. The portal aims to facilitate efficient legal research for the judiciary, legal professionals and the public. The initiative underscores the Court's commitment to transparency and accessibility in the legal domain.
https://cdnbbsr.s3waas.gov.in/s3ec0490f1f4972d133619a60c30f3559e/uploads/2025/09/2025092690.pdf
4. India expands fast-track merger rules, allowing more mid-sized unlisted firms to restructure quickly without NCLT delays
The Ministry of Corporate Affairs has rolled out major changes to India’s fast-track merger regime under Section 233 aiming to simplify and accelerate corporate restructuring for mid-sized firms. Now, unlisted companies with debt up to ?200 crore (≈ USD 23–25 million) and clear financing records can merge outside the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) process. The amendments also allow mergers among subsidiaries of the same holding company and broaden reverse-flip cross-border options. While listed companies still face limits, legal experts believe this reform could unclog court backlogs and better align India’s M&A framework with global business timelines.
5. Resident Gets Interim Relief as Delhi High Court Pauses Demolition Drive in Janakpuri
The Delhi High Court has given interim relief to Tanpreet Kaur whose Janakpuri property faced demolition under an MCD order dated September 10, 2025. Justice Mini Pushkarna noted that the demolition was ordered without inspection and before considering Kaur’s representation claiming adherence to the sanctioned building plan. Since the Appellate Tribunal, MCD (ATMCD) currently has no presiding officer, the Court directed that no coercive action be taken for three weeks allowing Kaur to file an appeal. The Court clarified it has not ruled on the merits of the case and the protection will lapse if no appeal is filed within the given period.
https://delhihighcourt.nic.in/app/showFileJudgment/59226092025CW151762025_170322.pdf
6. High Court: DSSSB Cannot Deny Appointment to Eligible Waitlist Candidate
The Delhi High Court has directed the Delhi Subordinate Services Selection Board (DSSSB) to consider Ajeet Singh, a waitlisted candidate for the post of Administrative Officer/Zonal Revenue Officer for appointment. Singh, who ranked first in the reserved list after clearing exams in 2019 was denied a post when DSSSB refused to extend the waitlist’s validity amid delays in document verification during the Covid-19 lockdown. The Court observed that the selection list was provisional and that cancellation of other candidates’ appointments created valid vacancies. It held that DSSSB should not have closed the panel prematurely and must now review Singh’s claim fairly.
https://delhihighcourt.nic.in/app/showFileJudgment/NAC26092025CW134442021_190547.pdf
7. India’s Courts and Law Firms Embrace Tech, Market to Hit $1.25 Billion by 2030
India’s legal technology sector is on a sharp growth trajectory, projected to surge from USD 464.6 million in 2023 to USD 1,253.1 million by 2030 according to Grand View Research. This reflects a robust 15.2% CAGR between 2024 and 2030 driven by rising digital adoption in law firms, courts and corporate legal departments. Demand for AI-powered tools, e-discovery platforms and contract management solutions is fueling this expansion. Analysts note that legal tech is increasingly bridging efficiency gaps in India’s judicial system by offering faster case management and compliance solutions. The forecast underscores a transformative decade ahead for India’s legal services industry.
https://www.grandviewresearch.com/horizon/outlook/legal-technology-market/india