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.