General Awareness

LAW AND CONSTITUTIONAL AFFAIRS - January 2025

Jan 2025

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.

Jan 12, 2026

Soumen Sen sworn in as Chief Justice of Kerala High Court

Justice Soumen Sen was sworn in as the new Chief Justice of the Kerala High Court in a ceremony at Lok Bhavan. The ceremony was attended by the Governor, the Chief Minister and other dignitaries. Justice Sen brings experience from previous judicial roles and is expected to oversee cases at the state level while guiding administrative reforms within the High Court. The appointment aligns with standard constitutional processes for high court leadership changes and signals continuity in Kerala’s judicial administration.

Justice Soumen Sen sworn in as Kerala High Court Chief Justice.
Ceremony attended by Governor and Chief Minister among others.
Sen brings extensive judicial experience to the role.
Expectations of administrative reforms and steady leadership.
Appointment follows constitutional norms for high courts.

Jan 09, 2026

CJI Surya Kant Inaugurates India's First Fully Paperless District Court in Kalpetta, Kerala

In January 2026, Chief Justice of India (CJI) Surya Kant virtually inaugurated India's first fully paperless district court in Kalpetta, Wayanad, Kerala. This historic milestone marks the complete digital transformation of district judiciary operations, making all judicial proceedings entirely electronic from case filing to final judgment.

Jan 07, 2026

Supreme Court Signs MoU for Law Clerks Exchange with Bhutan

The Supreme Court of India has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Bhutan to exchange young legal professionals. The announcement was made by Chief Justice of India Surya Kant, who welcomed two law clerks from Bhutan to work in the Supreme Court.
The initiative is aimed at strengthening judicial cooperation and enhancing institutional ties between the two countries.

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