Gujarat Introduces Uniform Civil Code Bill 2026, Exempts Scheduled Tribes, Sets Marriage Age at 21/18

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.

Madras High Court: Physical Features Cannot Determine Scheduled Caste Status

The Madras High Court has ruled that physical appearance, skin colour, height, and language cannot be used to determine Scheduled Caste status, setting aside a denial based on such 'look tests'. This judgment reinforces the legal principle that caste status is determined by birth, conversion, and community acceptance, not by subjective physical characteristics. It is a significant affirmation of constitutional safeguards against discrimination.

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.

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.

SC Proposes Exempting Current Class 6 from Three-Language Policy; Centre Seeks More Time

The Supreme Court has proposed exempting the current Class 6 batch from the mandatory three-language policy, suggesting implementation from January 1, 2027. The Centre has sought more time to decide, while the court has asked for details on teacher availability and infrastructure.