Highlights Of Parliament Monsoon Session 2019

The Monsoon Session of the Parliament concluded after the adjournment of Lok Sabha on Tuesday and Rajya Sabha on Wednesday. This was the first session of Parliament after the elections for 17th Lok Sabha. The session which began on June 17, 2019, was scheduled to end on July 26, 2019 but was extended until August 7, 2019 in order to complete legislative business. During the session, Lok Sabha had sittings for 281 hours in 37 days. The Rajya Sabha had sittings for 35 days. The highlights of key legislative actions during the Monsoon session are given below: 1. Bill To Bifurcate Jammu & Kashmir into Union Territories Of J&K And Ladakh The Jammu and Kashmir (Reorganization) Bill, 2019 was passed by the Lok Sabha on August 6 and by the Rajya Sabha on August 5. This legislation will split the state of J&K into Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh. Both the UTs will be administered by the President through a Lieutenant-Governor appointed by him. The bill also repeals 153 state laws and contains a schedule of 106 central laws which will be made applicable to the UTs. In addition, 166 state laws will remain in force, and seven laws will be applicable with amendments. These amendments include eliminating prohibitions on lease of land to persons who are not permanent residents of J&K. Further, the High Court of J&K will now become the common high court for both the UTs. Click here to read the salient features of the bill. A critical comment on the bill may be read here. Click here to read on other states having special provisions under the Constitution. 2. The Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2019 The Lok Sabha on August 5 passed the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Amendment Bill, 2019 to amend Section 2 of the Supreme Court (Number of Judges) Act, 1956, thereby increasing the number of judges in the Supreme Court to 34 from 31, including the CJI.The bill was certified as a 'money bill' by the Lok Sabha Speaker. Therefore, it stands as passed by the Parliament, despite the Rajya Sabha returning it on the last day of the session. The bill was introduced after the CJI intimated the Prime Minister that inadequate strength of judges was the primary reasons for backlog of cases in the Supreme Court. To further understand the objects and reasons of the bill, click here. 3. Bill For Summary Eviction Of Unauthorized Occupants From Public Premises The Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorized Occupants) Amendment Bill, 2019 was cleared by the Parliament on Aug 06, 2019, laying down procedure for summary eviction of unauthorized occupants from government accommodation. This bill was introduced to evict employees, MPs and other dignitaries of government of India, who were no more in service or whose office on license had expired and were staying in government accommodation without authorization. The legislation also confers powers upon the estate officers to evict such unauthorized occupants from "public premises" in a smooth, speedy and time-bound manner. 4. Consumer Protection Bill, 2019 The new legislation on consumer protection will replace the Consumer Protection Act, 1986. This bill was passed with a view to strengthen consumer rights, considering the modern day challenges like e-commerce, direct selling, tele-marketing etc. It provides a range of remedies from class action suits to liability for celebrity endorsements. It also aims to establish a national level regulator, Central Consumer Protection Authority, to deal with consumer complaints proactively. The bill was unanimously cleared by the Lok Sabha on July 30 and by the Rajya Sabha on August 6. To read more on the procedure and penalties, click here. Click here to read an analysis of the bill. 5. Code On Wages For Workers The Code on Wages, 2019 was passed by the Parliament on August 2. It will replace the Payment of Wages Act, 1936, the Minimum Wages Act, 1948, the Payment of Bonus Act, 1965, and the Equal Remuneration Act, 1976. The Code seeks to regulate wage and bonus payments in all employments where any industry, trade, business, or manufacturing is carried out. The wage-related decisions pertaining to railways, mines, and oil fields, etc. shall be taken by the central government. The state government shall be entitled to take decisions for all other employments. Read the detailed provisions a propos Work Hours, Bonus, Deductions, etc., here. 6. UAPA Amendment Bill Which Gives Power To Centre To Designate An Individual As Terrorist The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019 amends the existing Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967, in terms investigation and prosecution of offences relating to terrorism. Under the provisions herein, the central government may designate an organization as a terrorist organization if it: commits or participates in acts of terrorism,prepares for...

Highlights Of Parliament Monsoon Session 2019

AKSHITA SAXENA

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