As far as i know, i am sure there is no such "new rule".
You CAN come back now, give papers and then go back to do IR & CPL.
You can appear for the CPL category. But as you wont be having a CPL, you will not be eligible to appear for the Composite paper. Hence, you will have to apply for Navigation & Meteorology separately.
Plus Air Regulations.
That makes it 3 papers.
That is the only hassle.