The Lok Sabha passed the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill, 2024, through a voice vote, even as Opposition MPs continued their protests demanding a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar.

The session resumed at 2 p.m. after an earlier adjournment, with Sandhya Rai in the chair. However, it quickly turned chaotic as opposition leaders shouted slogans and disrupted the House proceedings.

Despite the commotion, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal moved the Bill. The legislation aims to modernise the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958 and bring India’s maritime laws in line with international standards, including the MARPOL (Marine Pollution) and Wreck Removal Convention.

The bill broadens the definition of vessels to include not just ships but also mobile offshore drilling units, submersibles, and non-displacement crafts. It also allows for temporary registration of vessels meant for recycling, an effort to support shipbreaking yards like the one in Alang, Gujarat.

Even though the House was in uproar, BJP MPs Brajesh Chowta and Mukeshkumar Chandrakant Dalal spoke in support of the Bill. However, their speeches were mostly unheard due to the loud protests.

The Bill also gives more power to the Director-General of Marine Administration. He will now oversee maritime training and education, helping Indian sailors meet global standards.

On the issue of Bihar’s voter list revision, Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government was ready to discuss any topic, "provided it adheres to constitutional provisions and the rules of parliamentary business."

Rijiju referred to Rule 325, which blocks discussions on matters in court. He reminded MPs that a 1988 ruling by Speaker Balram Jakhar stated that Parliament cannot comment on the Election Commission, as it is an independent body.

"The House is not permitted to discuss the conduct of a higher constitutional authority," Rijiju said, urging members to maintain parliamentary rules.

"Do you want to break the rules established by this House? Do you want to dismiss the decisions of past Speakers?" he added.

After the Bill was passed, the House was adjourned until Thursday, with many other Bills still waiting for discussion.

Even with ongoing political clashes, the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, is seen as a big step toward improving India’s shipping laws and making Indian shipping safer and more globally competitive.Top of Form

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