Maharashtra Forms Retired HC Judge-Led Panel for UCC Draft; Triple Talaq Cases Data Revealed

Assam Cabinet Approves Compulsory Muslim Marriage Registration Rules 2026; Replaces 1935 Act

The Assam Cabinet has approved the Assam Muslim Marriage Registration (Compulsory) Rules, 2026, operationalising the 2024 Act that makes registration of Muslim marriages mandatory. The rules set conditions like minimum age (18 for bride, 21 for groom), free consent, and a 30-day objection period, while clarifying that Muslim personal law is not overridden. This reform replaces the British-era 1935 Act and has sparked debates on religious freedom under Article 25.

KPSC Scam: Chairman Sahukar’s 7-Year Tenure, Irregular Appointments & Political Shield Exposed

This investigation into the Karnataka Public Service Commission (KPSC) reveals how Chairman Shivashankarappa Sahukar, appointed in 2019 despite red flags, ran the commission for seven years with alleged irregularities including leaked papers, patronage appointments, and political shielding by both BJP and Congress governments. The case exposes systemic weaknesses in PSC appointments and the lack of accountability for constitutional body heads.

Andhra Pradesh: CM Naidu Announces 34% BC Reservation in Local Body Polls, Direct Mayoral Elections

Andhra Pradesh government has increased BC reservation in local body polls from 20% to 34% in rural areas and 33.33% in urban areas, fulfilling a 2024 election promise. It also introduces direct elections for mayors. This is a significant state-level policy on political representation for Backward Classes, relevant for Polity and Social Justice.

2.08 Crore Maharashtra Voters May Be Left Out of Aug 24 SIR Draft Roll Due to Enumeration Gap

Over 2.08 crore (21.25%) of Maharashtra's 9.79 crore voters may be excluded from the August 24 draft electoral roll due to uncollected enumeration forms during the Special Intensive Revision (SIR). This is a draft and voters have until September 23 to seek inclusion. The issue is acute in urban districts like Thane, Mumbai, and Pune.

Maharashtra Panel Recommends BNS Amendment for Social Media Defamation After 11 Years of 66A

A Maharashtra government committee has recommended amending the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) to specifically criminalize defamatory social media posts, 11 years after the Supreme Court struck down Section 66A of the IT Act. The move aims to tackle online defamation while incorporating safeguards against misuse, but faces legal scrutiny over potential conflict with free speech rights under Article 19(1)(a).

Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act 2026 Takes Effect: Churches Seek Self-Declaration Forms from Worshippers

The Maharashtra Freedom of Religion Act, 2026, which came into force on July 30, 2026, has led churches in the Mumbai Metropolitan Region to ask worshippers to fill self-declaration forms confirming their voluntary attendance. This is a response to attacks on churches and concerns over false accusations of forced conversions under the new law. Students must note the penal provisions: 60-day advance notice to district magistrate, 7-year imprisonment for violations.

J&K Assembly Passes Resolution for Statehood Restoration; Omar Abdullah Questions Centre’s Delay Citing SC Order

The J&K Assembly passed a resolution seeking restoration of full statehood, moved by CM Omar Abdullah on September 25, 2026. Omar questioned the Centre's delay, referencing a Supreme Court direction to restore statehood 'at the earliest' after UT elections. The BJP walked out, calling the resolution controversial, and also moved a motion to remove the Speaker. This news highlights the ongoing tension between UT governance and the demand for statehood in Jammu and Kashmir.

J&K Assembly Passes Resolution Demanding Full Statehood Amid BJP Walkout

J&K Assembly has passed a resolution demanding urgent restoration of full statehood to the Union Territory, moved by CM Omar Abdullah. BJP MLAs walked out over references to pre-2019 special status (Article 370). CM also introduced 5 bills including amendments to salary laws, ease of doing business, and GST Act. This is crucial for understanding federal structure and the ongoing debate on J&K's status.