Current Affairs - Bills and Acts

The three new criminal laws, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagrik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, passed by Parliament in 2023, will be effective from July 1, 2024. These laws are set to replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure, and the Indian Evidence Act, respectively.

The Supreme Court invoked Article 142 to overturn the Chandigarh mayoral election results, aiming to ensure justice and maintain the integrity of the electoral process. Article 142 empowers the Supreme Court to pass necessary decrees or orders for complete justice in pending cases.

The Maharashtra Cabinet approved a bill extending 10% reservation to the Maratha community in both educational institutions and government employment, surpassing the 50% cap. This decision follows a report submitted by the Maharashtra Backward Class Commission justifying the extension.

The Assam cabinet, under the leadership of CM Himanta Biswa Sarma, approved the Assam Healing (Prevention of Evil) Practices Bill, 2024, aimed at curbing magical healing practices that exploit individuals suffering from congenital diseases.

The Delhi High Court sought the Centre’s response to a petition challenging the Surrogacy (Regulation) Act, 2021, which permits female aged between 23 to 50 to undergo surrogacy. This age range was questioned by a couple, contesting that it infringes upon their right to procreation.