Last Updated: April 2026
Constitutional and legal developments form a significant part of CLAT current affairs. This article covers major legislative and constitutional changes in 2024-2026 that every CLAT 2026 and 2027 aspirant must know.
The New Criminal Laws — BNS, BNSS, BSA (Effective July 1, 2024)
India replaced its three foundational criminal laws with new codes effective July 1, 2024:
| Old Law | Year | Replaced By | Full Name |
|---|---|---|---|
| Indian Penal Code (IPC) | 1860 | BNS | Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 |
| Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) | 1973 | BNSS | Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 |
| Indian Evidence Act | 1872 | BSA | Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 |
Key changes CLAT aspirants must know: BNS adds terrorism as a distinct offence; BNS Section 63 (formerly Section 375 IPC) — rape provisions largely retained but renumbered; Sedition (Section 124A IPC) was NOT carried to BNS — a major constitutional development; Electronic records given equal standing under BSA.
Jammu and Kashmir Statehood — Constitutional Position
- August 2019: Article 370 abrogated; J&K bifurcated into two Union Territories
- December 2023: Supreme Court upheld the abrogation unanimously
- September-October 2024: J&K Assembly elections held — first in 10 years
- SC Directive: Statehood for J&K must be restored at an early date — pending as of 2026
One Nation One Election — The Constitutional Debate
- Kovind Committee Report (2024): Recommended simultaneous elections for Lok Sabha and all State Assemblies
- Constitutional amendments needed: Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, 356 would all need modification
- Criticism: Federalism concerns — states lose independent election autonomy
Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023 (DPDPA)
Following the Supreme Court landmark K.S. Puttaswamy v. Union of India (2017) declaring Privacy a Fundamental Right under Article 21, India enacted the DPDPA — India first comprehensive data protection law covering personal data processing, consent, data fiduciaries, and penalties.
Important Constitutional Articles for CLAT 2026
| Article | Subject | Recent Relevance |
|---|---|---|
| Art. 370 | Special Status of J&K | Abrogated 2019; SC upheld 2023 |
| Art. 19(1)(a) | Freedom of Speech | Electoral Bonds verdict 2024 |
| Art. 21 | Right to Life & Personal Liberty | Privacy as fundamental right; DPDPA |
| Art. 32 | Constitutional Remedies | Electoral Bonds petitions filed here |
| Art. 83, 172 | Duration of Houses | ONOE proposal requires amendment |
Frequently Asked Questions
When did the new criminal laws (BNS, BNSS, BSA) come into effect?
BNS, BNSS and BSA came into effect on July 1, 2024, replacing the IPC, CrPC and Indian Evidence Act respectively.
Was sedition retained in the BNS?
The old sedition provision (Section 124A IPC) was not directly carried to the BNS. However, Section 152 BNS covers acts endangering sovereignty, unity and integrity of India — which is broader in scope though the word sedition was dropped.
What constitutional amendments are needed for One Nation One Election?
ONOE would require amending Articles 83 and 172 (terms of Lok Sabha and State Assemblies), Articles 85 and 174 (dissolution), and Article 356 (President Rule). It would likely also require ratification by at least 50% of State Legislatures.
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