Your weekly dose of legal insights, industry trends, and research-driven updates
Inc42 Flags 30 Indian Startups to Watch as Innovation Momentum Builds
Startup intelligence platform Inc42 has identified 30 Indian startups to watch that stood out in November 2025 for their innovation, growth traction and market impact. The list spans sectors such as fintech, SaaS, AI, deeptech, climate tech, consumer brands and logistics, reflecting the breadth of India’s evolving startup ecosystem. According to Inc42, the featured startups demonstrated strong execution through fundraises, strategic pivots, product launches and customer adoption. Several early- and growth-stage ventures also showcased global ambitions and scalable business models. The selection underscores renewed investor interest and founder resilience amid a cautious funding environment, signalling continued momentum in India’s startup landscape heading into 2026.
Right to Travel Part of Article 21, SC Orders Passport Renewal Despite Pending Cases
The Supreme Court has directed the re-issuance of an ordinary passport to Mahesh Kumar Agarwal for the full ten-year period, setting aside orders of the Calcutta High Court that had denied renewal due to pending criminal proceedings. Emphasising that the right to travel is a facet of personal liberty under Article 21, the Court held that Section 6(2)(f) of the Passports Act is not an absolute bar where competent criminal courts have permitted renewal subject to safeguards. The Bench ruled that passport authorities cannot override judicial permissions by treating pending cases as a permanent disability. The Court clarified that possession of a passport and actual foreign travel are distinct and travel remains subject to court approval.
NCLT Needs Structural Reforms to Fix Delays and Institutional Gaps
An opinion article in Business Standard has flagged persistent institutional shortcomings in the functioning of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), calling for urgent systemic reforms. The piece highlights chronic delays caused by inadequate benches, frequent vacancies and uneven case allocation which undermine the tribunal’s role in insolvency and corporate dispute resolution. Despite being central to India’s insolvency framework, NCLT continues to struggle with mounting pendency and procedural inefficiencies. The article argues that mere legislative amendments are insufficient unless accompanied by administrative strengthening, timely appointments and better infrastructure. Fixing these gaps, it notes, is critical to restoring confidence in India’s corporate justice delivery and insolvency regime.
AI Transparency Push: Centre Prepares Content-Labelling Framework
The Union government is set to introduce new rules requiring mandatory labelling of artificial intelligence-generated content, according to MeitY Secretary S. Krishnan. Speaking on emerging technology governance, Krishnan said the move aims to ensure transparency, curb misinformation and help users clearly distinguish between human-created and AI-generated material. The proposed framework will form part of India’s evolving digital governance strategy and is expected to apply across platforms, including text, images, audio and video content. While the rules are still being finalised, the government has indicated that stakeholder consultations are underway. The initiative reflects growing regulatory focus on responsible AI use amid rapid deployment of generative technologies.
Eight-Year Time Bar Proposed for SEBI Inspections Under New Market Code
The Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) may soon face statutory limits on its inspection and investigation powers if the proposed Securities Market Code (SMC) Bill is enacted. According to a report by The Hindu, the draft Bill seeks to cap SEBI’s authority to initiate inspections, inquiries and enforcement actions at eight years from the date of the alleged violation. The move aims to reduce regulatory uncertainty and end prolonged investigations that create compliance overhang for listed companies and intermediaries. The Bill is expected to consolidate multiple securities laws into a single code, offering greater clarity, predictability and time-bound enforcement in India’s capital markets framework..
Tonbo Imaging India Seeks SEBI Approval for IPO to Fund Expansion and R&D
Defence and surveillance technology firm Tonbo Imaging India has filed its draft red herring prospectus (DRHP) with the Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) to raise funds through an initial public offering (IPO). The proposed public issue will comprise a mix of fresh equity issuance and an offer for sale by existing shareholders. According to the draft papers, the company intends to use the proceeds to fund working capital requirements, invest in research and development, and support business expansion. Tonbo Imaging specialises in advanced imaging and sensor technologies used in defence, homeland security and industrial applications. The filing marks a significant step towards listing and subjecting the company to public-market regulatory scrutiny.
India’s M&A Market Poised for Faster, Larger Deals in 2026: Outlook Report
India’s mergers and acquisitions landscape is expected to gather greater momentum in 2026, driven by deal speed, scale and strategic confidence according to a CNBC-TV18 outlook citing Alvarez & Marsal India. The report notes that both domestic consolidation and cross-border transactions are likely to rise as Indian companies pursue growth, resilience and global competitiveness. Sectors such as manufacturing, infrastructure, technology, financial services and renewables are expected to remain key deal drivers. Improved balance sheets, regulatory clarity and private equity dry powder are also contributing to stronger deal activity. The analysis suggests that disciplined execution, due diligence and post-merger integration will be critical as deal sizes and complexity increase in the coming year..