Bihar Assembly Replaces 1887 Civil Courts Law

The Bihar Legislative Assembly has unanimously passed the Bihar Civil Nyayalay (Court) Bill, 2026, replacing the colonial-era Bengal, Agra and Assam Civil Courts Act, 1887. The new legislation seeks to modernise the civil courts framework in the state and marks a significant departure from a statute that had governed subordinate courts for over a century.

The Bill was among four pieces of legislation cleared during a brief 24-minute sitting of the House.

Modernising the Civil Court Structure

The Bihar Civil Nyayalay (Court) Bill, 2026 aims to align the functioning of civil courts with contemporary judicial requirements. The 1887 Act, enacted during British rule, structured civil courts in several provinces, including Bihar.

The new law is expected to streamline court administration, update procedural aspects and provide greater clarity in jurisdiction and functioning. Its unanimous passage reflects bipartisan support for reforming the state’s judicial infrastructure.

Other Amendment Bills Passed

Alongside the civil courts reform, three amendment Bills were passed through a voice vote. These included the Bihar Technical Services Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026; the Bihar Staff Selection Commission (Amendment) Bill, 2026; and the Bihar Municipality (Amendment) Bill, 2026.

Under the amended provisions, recruitment to second- and third-grade posts in government undertakings such as boards and corporations will now be conducted through the Technical Services Commission. Appointments to fourth-grade posts in these undertakings will be handled by the Staff Selection Commission.

Changes in Municipal Governance

The Bihar Municipality (Amendment) Bill, 2026 introduces changes in the constitution of empowered standing committees in municipal bodies. Members of municipalities and municipal corporations will now elect committee members through secret ballot. Earlier, the mayor constituted these committees.

The government also assured that necessary directives would be issued to ensure meetings of empowered standing committees are not held during sessions of the state legislature, as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs) and Members of the Legislative Council (MLCs) serve as ex officio members.

Important Facts for Exams

• The Bengal, Agra and Assam Civil Courts Act, 1887 was a colonial-era statute governing subordinate civil courts.
• State legislatures can amend or repeal pre-Constitution laws under Article 372 of the Indian Constitution.
• Voice vote is a parliamentary procedure used to pass legislation without a recorded division.
• Empowered Standing Committees function as key decision-making bodies within urban local governments.

Legislative Efficiency and Governance Focus

All four Bills were introduced by the Parliamentary Affairs Minister and cleared within a short sitting, signalling legislative efficiency. The overhaul of the civil courts law and reforms in recruitment and municipal governance indicate Bihar’s effort to update administrative and judicial mechanisms in line with contemporary governance standards.