UPSC LAW OPTIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS – OCTOBER 2026

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UPSC LAW OPTIONAL CURRENT AFFAIRS – OCTOBER 2026

INDEX - LAWXPERTSMV – 6382125862

CONSTITUTIONAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE LAW

Internet Access as a Fundamental Right – Just Rights for Children Alliance v. S. Harish – Articles 19(1)(a) & 21 – CSEAM – National Hash and URL Database – POCSO Act – intermediary accountability.
Press Freedom vs Data Protection – Digital News Publishers Association v. Union of India – Articles 19(1)(a) & 21 – DPDP Act, 2023 – journalistic exemption – investigative journalism – right to privacy.
Why UAPA Demands Urgent Reform – Articles 14, 19 & 21 – UAPA, 1967 – Section 43D(5) – stringent bail restrictions – prolonged detention – speedy trial – G.N. Saibaba.
Three New Judges Appointed to the Supreme Court – Article 124 – Collegium system – appointment of three High Court Chief Justices – judicial independence – women's representation.
Legislative Privileges vs Freedom of the Press – N. Ravi v. Speaker, Legislative Assembly – Seven-Judge Constitution Bench – Articles 194(3), 19(1)(a) & 21 – legislative privileges – judicial review – press freedom.
Religious Conversion and Backward Class Reservation – State v. Sameer Ahamed N – Articles 15(4), 16(4) & 340 – Tamil Nadu G.O.(Ms.) No. 314 – caste status – reservation eligibility.
Temple Inam Land and Invalid Gift to the State – K. Ramalingam v. State of Tamil Nadu – Section 41(1), Tamil Nadu HR&CE Act, 1959 – Articles 25 & 26 – temple property – trustee powers – State's custodial responsibility.

Constitutional Challenge to the Vande Mataram Mandate – Six-stanza rendition – religious reference – Articles 14, 19(1)(a), 25 & 51A(a) – freedom of conscience – right not to sing – Bijoe Emmanuel v. State of Kerala.
Stricter Judicial Scrutiny for Delayed Birth and Death Registration – Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Act, 2026 – Section 13 – Magistrate's approval – delayed registration beyond two years – verification of civil records.

INTERNATIONAL LAW

India's Representation in International Maritime Law – Prof. Bimal N. Patel assumes office as ITLOS Judge – UNCLOS, 1982 – Articles 287, 288, 290 & 292 – Annex VI – maritime dispute settlement – ocean governance.

LAW OF CRIMES

Mercy Petition Delay and Commutation of Death Sentence – Balwant Singh Rajoana v. Union of India – Articles 21, 32, 72 & 161 – presidential clemency – prolonged delay – death penalty.
Constitutional Challenge to Police Powers under BNSS – M.A. Baby v. Union of India – Sections 163 & 172, BNSS – Section 144, CrPC – preventive orders – police powers – public order.
Women's Safety and Preventive Policing – In Re: Recent Rape Incidents in Delhi NCR – Article 21 – preventive policing – safety audits – CCTV surveillance – victim protection – police accountability.

CONTEMPORARY LEGAL DEVELOPMENTS

·Trademark Registration vs Copyright Ownership – Japan Tobacco Inc. v. The Central Wearhouse – Copyright Act, 1957 – Sections 13, 17, 48 & 50 – artistic works – intellectual property rights.
Digital Banking Records as Admissible Evidence – Bankers' Books Evidence Act, 2026 – Sections 2–9 & 16 – Sections 61–63, BSA – electronic records – certification – digital evidence.
GI Tag for Ambaji Mohanthal – Geographical Indications Act, 1999 – Sections 2(1)(e), 11, 17, 18, 21 & 22 – regional identity – traditional craftsmanship – cultural heritage.