Notwithstanding an untimely adjournment of the Lower House in the early hours, the Winter Session was off to a smooth start.
On day one of the proceedings, Rajya Sabha passed the Post Office Bill, 2023, while the Lok Sabha cleared the Advocates (Amendment) Bill 2023.
Echoes of the BJP’s recent victory in Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan also resounded through the session today. Members of the Lower House began the session with shouts of “Modi sarkaar, teesri baar” (Modi government for the third time).
Rajya Sabha revoked the suspension of AAP MP Raghav Chadha, who was under suspension for violating procedures by recommending names of MPs to a select committee without their consent.
The government has presented a heavy legislative agenda for the 15 sittings of the Winter Session with key bills to replace the colonial era criminal laws, a draft legislation to provide for a framework for appointment of the election commissioners.
Some of the Bills that are likely to be taken up during the winter session are the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill 2023.
The Opposition leaders have also sought discussion in the Parliament on issues such as the situation in Manipur, rising inflation, “misuse” of the Enforcement Directorate and the Central Bureau of Investigation, the “imposition” of Hindi through the names of laws, particularly in reference to the three bills to replace the criminal laws.
(With agency inputs)
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