Book Title: Research Handbook on Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance

Publisher: Edward Elgar Publishing

Abstract: From corporate social responsibility (CSR) to environmental, social and governance (ESG) matters. Although ESG is well-understood to be market-driven, this paper focuses instead on the legal and regulatory measures governing ESG factors in India. It, therefore, examines the developments and challenges surrounding ESG in India along three fronts. First, the chapter explores the roles and responsibilities of corporate boards in accounting for ESG factors in their decision-making process. Second, and relatedly, it analyses the obligations of companies to engage in disclosure and reporting on ESG matters. Finally, viewed from the investor perspective, it examines ESG considerations that underpin the shareholder stewardship regime in India. On each of these aspects, the chapter first outlines the key developments, and then highlights possible challenges in realising the regulatory goals on the ESG front.