General Awareness

LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS - December 2024

Dec 2024

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.

Mar 01, 2026

Supreme Court backs Uniform Civil Code, urges legislative action

In a landmark development, the Supreme Court signalled support for a Uniform Civil Code, signaling that Parliament should consider reforms to personal law to promote equality. The Court cautioned that scrapping Shariat law entirely could create a legal vacuum, underscoring the need for a carefully calibrated approach. The decision intensifies the public policy debate on personal laws and invites legislative action to address areas where discrimination may persist. Legal experts noted that any UCC legislation would require broad consensus and careful balancing of constitutional rights and religious freedoms, with Parliament responsible for drafting balanced reform that respects diverse beliefs while advancing equal rights.

Judicial stance: Supreme Court supports Uniform Civil Code discussion.
Caution: avoid creating a legal vacuum by not discarding Shariat law entirely.
Policy implication: Parliament to consider reforms to personal law.
Judicial view: need for careful, consensus-driven legislation.
Legal considerations: balancing rights with religious freedoms.

Feb 25, 2026

Bihar passes Civil Nyayalay (Court) Bill 2026 replacing 1887 Act

The Bihar Legislative Assembly unanimously passed the Bihar Civil Nyayalay (Court) Bill, 2026, replacing the Bengal, Agra and Assam Civil Courts Act, 1887. The move modernises the civil courts framework to meet contemporary judicial needs. The Bill was part of four measures cleared during a brief 24-minute sitting. The new Nyayalay framework aims to streamline civil proceedings and align sub‑ordinate courts with current legal requirements, replacing the colonial-era statute that once governed several provinces. The legislation signals Bihar’s push to modernise judicial administration and improve access to justice for citizens.

Bihar replaces 1887 Civil Courts Act with Civil Nyayalay Bill, 2026.
Act modernises civil court framework in the state.
Bill passed in a 24-minute sitting along with three other laws.
Aims to improve efficiency and access to justice.
Marks a shift from colonial-era legal structures.

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