General Awareness

LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS - August 2024

Aug 2024

Jan 30, 2026

UP to mandate Aadhaar-based biometric authentication for property registration

Uttar Pradesh has announced that Aadhaar-based biometric authentication will be mandatory for property registration from February 1, 2026. The rule requires biometric verification of executants, parties, and witnesses using Aadhaar e-KYC and e-signatures, with successful authentication necessary to complete the registration. The move aims to curb land fraud and enhance governance in land deals. Other related measures include digitisation of property records and increased use of digital signatures. Officials emphasize that the changes will improve transparency and reduce disputes in registrations across sub-registrar offices.

Aadhaar biometric authentication mandatory from Feb 1, 2026.
Biometric verification for executants, parties, and witnesses.
Aadhaar e-KYC and e-signatures to be used in deed registrations.
Intended to curb land fraud and enhance transparency.
Includes digitisation of property records and governance improvements.

Jan 28, 2026

Uttarakhand enacts UCC amendment ordinance

Uttarakhand implemented an amendment ordinance to reform the Uniform Civil Code provisions, introducing multiple changes including stronger penalties for coercion and fraud in marriages and live-in relationships. The Uttarakhand Uniform Civil Code (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026, was enacted after Governor Gurmeet Singh (retd) gave assent to amendments proposed to the 2024 UCC framework. The move aims to modernise civil law within the state and align personal laws with evolving social norms. Critics note legal and constitutional questions, while supporters say amendments promote gender equality and clearer protections.

Ordinance enacted January 26, 2026; Governor approved amendments.
Targets coercion and fraud in marriage and live-in relationships.
Part of Uttarakhand’s UCC reform of 2024 framework.
Divides opinion on constitutional implications.

Jan 18, 2026

Karnataka amends land revenue law for Coorg land records

Karnataka approved amendments to its land revenue framework to modernise Coorg’s Jamma Bane land records. The Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Act, 2025 was assented on 7 January, with gazette notification the following day. The aim is to streamline ownership data, reflect generational transfers, and reduce clerical errors that hinder land administration. Officials say the change will improve transparency for Kodava communities while aligning with digitisation efforts across the state’s land governance system.

Policy: Karnataka Land Revenue (Second Amendment) Act, 2025
Assent date: 7 January 2026
Region: Coorg (Kodagu district)
Purpose: modernise land records, reduce errors
Impact: improved governance and transparency

Jan 14, 2026

Sikkim ends physical permits; online clearance mandatory for foreigners

The Sikkim government implemented online clearance for foreign tourists visiting protected and restricted areas, phasing out all physical permits. The policy follows Home Ministry directions and requires permits to be issued digitally through the designated online permit cell. Foreigners may still visit Tsomgo Lake in East Sikkim, Yumthang Valley, and Zero Point in North Sikkim with online permits. Officials emphasized that there will be no physical permit documents, simplifying and accelerating the process for permitted locations while maintaining security checks for sensitive areas.

Physical permits for foreigners in Sikkim phased out
Online clearance mandatory for protected/restricted areas
Permits issued digitally through online permit cell
Some sites allowed with online permits (e.g., Tsomgo Lake, Yumthang Valley, Zero Point)
Policy aligns with national security and administrative modernization

RBI issues FEMA Regulations 2026 with new guarantee norms

The Reserve Bank of India issued the Foreign Exchange Management (Guarantees) Regulations, 2026, effective from the Gazette date of January 6, 2026. The new rules restrict Indian residents from offering guarantees for non-residents unless explicitly permitted. The definition of a guarantee now covers counter-guarantees and portfolios of liabilities, with certain exemptions for authorised dealer (AD) bank branches abroad and international financial centres (IFSCs). Additional exemptions apply for specific contract types. Residents may act as sureties if underlying transactions comply with FEMA. The regulations mandate quarterly reporting of guarantees, with penalties for late filing.

FEMA Regulations 2026 issued by RBI
Restrictions on guarantees involving non-residents
Broader definition of 'guarantee' with exemptions
Exemptions for AD banks abroad and IFSCs
Quarterly reporting and late filing penalties

Jan 13, 2026

Centre approves Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta as Chief Justice of Uttarakhand High Court

The Union Minister of Law and Justice announced the appointment of Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta, a judge of the Allahabad High Court, as Chief Justice of the Uttarakhand High Court. The appointment will take effect when the current Chief Justice retires on 9 January, and is issued under Article 217(1) of the Constitution. The decision aligns Uttarakhand’s judiciary with standard constitutional provisions for chief appointments, ensuring a seamless transition. Justice Gupta’s leadership will guide the High Court through judicial administration, verdicts, and reforms in line with national legal standards.

Justice Manoj Kumar Gupta appointed Chief Justice of Uttarakhand HC.
Appointment under Article 217(1) of the Constitution.
Effective from retirement of current CJ on 9 January 2026.
Gupta previously served as Allahabad High Court judge.
Aims to ensure smooth judicial administration and reforms.

Kerala introduces ERONET to ease NRI voter document submissions

Kerala’s Chief Electoral Officer Dr. Rathan U Kelkar announced the ERONET system is now operational to support Special Intensive Revision for NRIs. The system allows non-resident Indians to submit required documents for hearings without travelling to attend in person. ERONET aims to streamline document submission and speed up verification for NRIs seeking enrolment or upgradation in voters’ lists. Kelkar highlighted that the new facility reduces travel and administrative burdens while maintaining the integrity of electoral processes. The initiative reflects ongoing efforts to improve accessibility for overseas voters ahead of elections.

ERONET system is operational for NRIs during Special Intensive Revision.
NRIs can submit hearing documents remotely.
Aims to reduce travel and streamline electoral verification.
Led by Kerala Chief Electoral Officer Dr. Rathan U Kelkar.
Part of broader efforts to improve overseas voter participation.

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