Current Affairs - Bills and Acts

The concept of mandatory registration of Waqfs in India originates from the Mussalman Wakf Act of 1923. This legal requirement has been consistently upheld through subsequent legislation, including the Waqf Act of 1954 and the Waqf Act of 1995. Even the 2025 Amendment Act does not alter this obligation but rather emphasizes its continued relevance. The historical significance of the 1923 Act lies in its foundational role in regulating Islamic charitable endowments within the country's legal framework. Understanding this origin is crucial to evaluating the continuity and changes in waqf-related governance over the years.

The Civil Defence Act was enacted in 1968 as a strategic legislative response to the growing security concerns following the 1962 war with China and the 1965 war with Pakistan. Its primary aim is to ensure the protection of civilians, infrastructure, and property from possible hostile attacks via air, land, or sea. The Act empowers the government to establish the Civil Defence Corps and lays down the authority to frame rules and regulations necessary for its implementation. It marked a critical step in institutionalising civil preparedness during times of national emergencies or external aggression.

Fali Nariman’s book "Beyond the Courtroom" delves into key aspects of India’s constitutional law, particularly focusing on Article 368, which deals with the procedure for amending the Constitution. The book traces the article’s evolution through judicial interpretations and its relationship with the Basic Structure Doctrine—a principle established by the Supreme Court to ensure that certain fundamental aspects of the Constitution remain unaltered. Nariman, a legendary constitutional jurist, provides deep insights into these legal frameworks, reaffirming the delicate balance between parliamentary power and constitutional integrity. The work is both a legal reflection and a philosophical journey.

The Registration of Births and Deaths (RBD) Act was enacted in 1969 to provide a uniform law for the compulsory registration of births and deaths across India. The Act lays out a clear framework, assigning responsibilities to national, state, district, and local-level registrars to ensure timely and accurate registration. It has since undergone amendments, including a significant one in 2023 that mandates digital registration through the Civil Registration System (CRS). The Act also stipulates a 21-day reporting window, penalties for delays, and provisions for Indian citizens residing abroad. The year 1969 marks the beginning of formal, centralized registration of vital events in India.

The Supreme Court criticized Governor R.N. Ravi’s inaction on 10 re-passed Bills as unconstitutional, specifically citing a violation of Article 200 of the Indian Constitution. Article 200 lays down the procedures a Governor must follow when presented with a Bill passed by the State Legislature: giving assent, withholding assent, returning it (except money Bills), or reserving it for the President’s consideration. The Court emphasized that the phrase “as soon as possible” implies timely action, not indefinite delays. By prescribing specific time frames and stating that re-passed Bills must be assented to, the SC reinforced constitutional accountability and legislative supremacy, grounding its reasoning in Article 200.