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.
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.
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.
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.
Feb 08, 2026
Judiciary diversity: since 2014, 170 women judges appointed to High Courts; six to Supreme Court
Since 2014, 170 women judges have been appointed in India's High Courts, including 96 in the last five years and six in the Supreme Court. Appointments to the Supreme Court and High Courts are governed by Articles 124, 217 and 224 of the Constitution, which do not provide caste or class reservations. Under the Memorandum of Procedure (MoP), proposals for Supreme Court judges come from the Chief Justice of India, while proposals for High Court judges come from the Chief Justice of the respective High Court. The government has urged due consideration for candidates from Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes and women to enhance social diversity.
Total women judges appointed in High Courts since 2014: 170.
Women judges in last five years: 96; Supreme Court appointments: 6.
MoP assigns initiation of Supreme Court and High Court proposals.
Government policy emphasises diversity including women and marginalized groups.
Jan 31, 2026
Supreme Court ties menstrual health to right to life; orders school facilities
The Supreme Court has declared menstrual health a fundamental part of the right to life under Article 21. The Bench directed all States and Union Territories to provide free sanitary pads, toilets, water, and disposal facilities in every government and private school within three months. The Court said menstrual hygiene management is inseparable from the right to live with dignity, noting that lack of facilities results in humiliation and exclusion for menstruating girls. Justices J. B. Pardiwala and R. Mahadevan emphasized dignity must be realized in everyday conditions, not left to chance.
Judicial holding: menstrual health is part of Article 21
Directive: free sanitary pads, toilets, water, disposal in all schools
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