General Awareness

LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS - September 2024

Sep 2024

Apr 07, 2026

Gujarat High Court bans AI in courtroom decisions; human judgment prevails

The Gujarat High Court issued a policy restricting the use of artificial intelligence in core judicial functions. The court said AI can assist with efficiency but must not replace human reasoning in decision-making or interpretation of law. It prohibits AI assistance in drafting judgments, orders, or rulings and warns against using AI to influence bail decisions, sentencing, or rights determinations. The decision emphasizes maintaining fairness, accountability, and judicial independence. While acknowledging potential benefits of AI to streamline procedures, the court states that human oversight remains essential in the justice system, ensuring nuanced interpretation and accountability. The ruling aligns with broader concerns about AI governance in public services.

AI cannot be used for core judicial decisions or drafting judgments.
AI cannot assist in legal reasoning or interpretation of law.
AI must not influence bail, sentencing, or rights determinations.
Human oversight and accountability remain essential.
Policy reflects broader AI governance concerns in public services.

Mar 26, 2026

SC rules that conversion ends Scheduled Caste status

The Supreme Court ruled that individuals who convert to religions other than Hinduism, Buddhism or Sikhism lose their Scheduled Caste status immediately and completely. The bench, led by Justice Prashant Kumar Mishra, held that conversion results in automatic loss of SC status, with no exceptions. The judgment relies on Clause 3 of the Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950, which restricted SC recognition to followers of Hinduism, later extended to Sikhs and Buddhists. The court described the restriction as categorical and absolute. The decision impacts access to reservations and related benefits for converts. Lawyers expected appeals though the ruling clarifies eligibility rules going forward.

Ruling: conversion ends SC status
Legal basis: Constitution (Scheduled Castes) Order, 1950
Religions affected: Hinduism, Sikhs, Buddhists
No exceptions to SC status loss
Impact on reservations and benefits
Possible appeals anticipated

Gujarat passes Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026; second state after Uttarakhand

Gujarat became the second Indian state to pass the Uniform Civil Code (UCC) Bill 2026, with the legislation tabled in the State Assembly on 24 March 2026. The bill proposes a common legal framework for marriage, divorce, inheritance and live-in relationships across all religions, replacing diverse personal laws with a single system. Proponents argue equal treatment under law, while opponents raise concerns about religious freedoms. The bill followed a state-appointed committee's report recommending a uniform personal law. The move mirrors a broader national debate on the UCC and signals possible future reforms at the state level.

Date of passage: 24 March 2026
Second state after Uttarakhand
Aims: common framework for personal matters
Implications: potential changes to religious laws
Supporters cite equality; critics cite religious freedoms
Status: ongoing national debate

Mar 25, 2026

GHADC Amendment 2026 makes ST certificates mandatory for elections

Meghalaya’s Garo Hills Autonomous District Council (GHADC) passed an amendment on 24 March 2026 making Scheduled Tribe (ST) certificates mandatory to contest elections. Chief Minister Conrad Sangma announced the measure, which requires candidates to be members of recognized STs of Meghalaya. This change bars non-tribal residents, even if permanent, from contesting elections to the council. Government officials described the amendment as historic and aimed at reinforcing the tribal character and governance of the council. The move follows weeks of regional tension and concerns about representation in tribal governance structures.

Date: 24 March 2026
Amendment: ST certificate mandatory to contest GHADC elections
Authority: Garo Hills Autonomous District Council, Meghalaya
Rationale: reinforce tribal character and representation
Impact: bars non-tribal permanent residents from contesting
Context: response to regional tensions

Mar 18, 2026

India Submits Nagoya Protocol National Report

India submitted its first National Report under the Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS) to the Convention on Biological Diversity on 27 February 2026. The report, prepared by the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change with the National Biodiversity Authority, covers progress from 1 November 2017 to 31 December 2025. It highlights monitoring and reporting under Article 29 and emphasizes fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from genetic resources and traditional knowledge with provider communities. The document signals India's ongoing alignment with international biodiversity frameworks and domestic ABS implementation.

Submission date: 27 February 2026.
Implements: Nagoya Protocol on Access and Benefit Sharing (ABS).
Co-authors: MoEFCC and National Biodiversity Authority.
Coverage: progress from 1 November 2017 to 31 December 2025.
Key principle: fair sharing of benefits from genetic resources and traditional knowledge.

Mar 15, 2026

Chhattisgarh Cabinet approves Freedom of Religion Bill 2026

The Chhattisgarh State Cabinet has approved the draft Freedom of Religion Bill 2026, aimed at preventing illegal religious conversions. The bill targets conversions carried out through force, inducement, fraudulent means, or undue influence, and will be introduced in the Legislative Assembly for discussion and possible passage. Its primary aim is to prevent unlawful conversions while protecting the constitutional right to practice faith freely. The legislation seeks to address cases where individuals may be pressured to change religion, balancing public order with religious liberty under the Constitution.

Bill: Freedom of Religion Bill 2026 approved by Chhattisgarh Cabinet.
Purpose: curb illegal religious conversions through force/inducement/fraud.
Process: to be introduced in Legislative Assembly.
Rights protected: freedom to practice faith; safeguards against coercion.
Context: addresses undue influence in conversions.

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