Gujarat UCC Bill 2026 Tabled for Uniform Marriage, Divorce, Succession, and Live-in Registration

Goa Cabinet Approves Anti-Conversion Bill 2026: Life Imprisonment, ₹5 Lakh Compensation, Void Marriage

Goa has joined the list of states with anti-conversion laws. The Goa Cabinet cleared the 'Goa Prohibition of Unlawful Conversions of Religion Bill, 2026' with stringent provisions including life imprisonment, hefty fines, and declaring marriages void if performed solely for conversion. The Bill will be tabled in the monsoon session starting August 31. This is a high-relevance news for Polity (Article 25), State Legislatures, and Social Issues.

Uttarakhand Waqf Board Proposes Revised Nikahnama Aligned with UCC; Interfaith Marriages under Special Marriage Act

Over 1.5 years after Uttarakhand implemented the Uniform Civil Code (UCC), the State Waqf Board has proposed a revised nikahnama to bring Muslim marriage registrations in line with the new law. The proposal bans conversions solely for marriage and mandates interfaith couples to register under the Special Marriage Act, marking a significant step in UCC implementation.

Chhattisgarh HC Rules Shariyat Court Cannot Legally Dissolve Marriage; Triple Talaq Order Set Aside

Chhattisgarh High Court held that a Shariyat Court's declaration of triple talaq (Talaq-e-Hasan) has no legal authority. The judgment reinforces the supremacy of constitutional law over religious decrees, a crucial topic for UPSC mains on secularism and Uniform Civil Code.

Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2026: Judicial Magistrate Mandated for Delays Over 2 Years

The Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill 2026, passed in Lok Sabha, tightens verification norms: delays beyond two years now require a judicial magistrate's order instead of an executive magistrate. This amendment aims to curb fraudulent birth certificates, which have become near-conclusive proof for Aadhaar, passports, voter IDs, and school admissions. The bill raises concerns over accessibility for legitimate citizens, especially in remote areas.

SC Directs Uniform Policy for Demolition & Rehabilitation of Unauthorised Homes Under Article 21

The Supreme Court has ruled that the state's power to demolish unauthorised constructions must be balanced with the duty to rehabilitate affected families, invoking Article 21 (right to dignity, shelter, livelihood). The court directed the Union and State governments to consider formulating a uniform demolition and rehabilitation policy.

FCRA Amendment Bill 2026: Automatic Asset Seizure on Lapse of Registration Referred to JPC

The FCRA Amendment Bill 2026 proposes automatic takeover of all assets built with foreign funds if an organisation's registration lapses, is refused renewal, or is cancelled. This has alarmed minority religious institutions, leading to protests and referral to a Joint Parliamentary Committee. The bill lacks any provision for a hearing or appeal against renewal refusal, raising concerns over transparency and fairness.

SC Extends Section 498A (BNS Section 85) Protection to Live-In Partners 'In Nature of Marriage'

The Supreme Court has ruled that women in live-in relationships 'in the nature of marriage' are entitled to protection from domestic cruelty under Section 498A IPC (now Section 85 BNS). This landmark judgment extends criminal law safeguards beyond formal marriage, recognizing that domestic abuse stems from power imbalance, not marital status.

Allahabad HC Upholds Mandatory Govt Service Bond for Subsidised PG Medical Education

The Allahabad High Court has ruled that doctors who pursue subsidised PG medical education cannot evade the mandatory two-year government service bond, even if there is administrative delay in providing posting. The court held that the bond ensures availability of doctors in government hospitals and protects patients' right to life under Article 21.