Crime, telecom, CEC bills clear Parliament

Parliament cleared a raft of crucial bills that are set to replace British-era criminal codes, regulate the telecom industry, and shape the selection of India's top election officials as the most acrimonious session in years, marked by a shocking breach of security and the unprecedented suspension of 146 Opposition members, closed on Thursday.

- Smriti Kak Ramachandran

The winter session ended a day ahead of schedule after the Lok Sabha passed the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, and the Rajya Sabha approved the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita and the Bharatiya Saksha (Second) Adhiniyam, which replace the Indian Penal Code, Code of Criminal Procedure and Indian Evidence Act respectively.

The Lower House also passed the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, with a voice vote. In almost every case, the bills sailed through Houses with near-empty Opposition benches even as a bevy of leaders protested against their suspension outside Parliament.

"The passage of Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 is a watershed moment in our history. These bills mark the end of colonial-era laws. A new era begins with laws centered on public service and welfare," Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on X.

"Today is a historic day for the country, because today India has got its new criminal justice laws. Congratulations to all Indians on this proud moment. The three bills passed in Parliament today will replace the laws enacted by the British and will realise the decades-old dream of an indigenous justice system," Union home minister Amit Shah said on X.