April 29, 2025
United States
- Immigration & Protest Rights: US court affirms removal of pro-Palestinian activist; judicial review over foreign policy determinations limited (details).
The LaSalle Immigration Court in Louisiana affirmed the removal of Mahmoud Khalil, a Columbia University graduate and pro-Palestinian activist, following campus protests. The court accepted the Secretary of State’s foreign policy concerns as sufficient, limiting judicial review over such executive determinations. Khalil’s deportation is currently stayed pending ongoing constitutional and procedural challenges.
- Digital Regulation & First Amendment: A US District Court granted a preliminary injunction against key provisions of a state law targeting “harmful digital services” for children. The court found the law’s exemptions for news, sports, and commerce content rendered it “content-based,” triggering strict scrutiny under the First Amendment. Overbroad and vague provisions were enjoined, while others remain in effect (details).
- Trade Developments: US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced that India is likely to be among the first countries to finalize a new trade deal with the US, aiming to avert broad US tariffs set to take effect in July. This move could significantly impact bilateral trade, especially in sectors affected by recent tariff escalations (details).
Europe
- Financial Regulation: The European Commission (EC) launched a consultation on integrating EU capital markets, while the European Banking Authority (EBA) updated risk assessment indicators. The International Association of Insurance Supervisors (IAIS) issued new guidance on supervising climate-related risks in insurance. The US Federal Reserve Board and FDIC released proposals on capital buffers and bank resolution planning, reflecting heightened regulatory scrutiny in the global financial sector (details).
Asia – India
- Tax Law: Major TCS (Tax Collected at Source) changes effective April 1, 2025 (details):
Threshold for TCS on remittances under LRS and overseas tour packages increased to ₹10 lakh.
TCS on educational remittances financed by loans removed.
TCS on sale of goods exceeding ₹50 lakh abolished, reducing compliance burdens.
Higher TCS rates for non-filers (Section 206CCA) eliminated, streamlining processes for businesses.
Arbitration Law: The Himachal Pradesh High Court clarified that Section 5 of the Limitation Act does not apply to petitions challenging arbitral awards under Section 34 of the Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996. Delays beyond the statutory extension cannot be condoned, aligning with Supreme Court precedent. [National Highway Authority of India. v. Jagroop Singh & Ors. in OMPM No.55 of 2025 in Arbitration Appeal No.87 of 2025, Judgement dt. April 9, 2025]
