In a significant development during the Winter Session, the Lok Sabha passed three amended criminal law bills, namely The Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill. The bills aim to replace existing laws, including the Indian Penal Code (IPC), Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC), and Evidence Act, triggering debates and discussions within and outside the Parliament.
The passage of these bills was not without controversy, as two Opposition MPs, Thomas Chazhikadan and AM Ariff, faced suspension from the Lok Sabha on allegations of misconduct. The suspension of a total of 97 Opposition MPs from Lok Sabha and 46 from Rajya Sabha has marked ongoing protests within the Parliament premises.
Meanwhile, a political storm erupted over the mimicry incident involving TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee imitating Rajya Sabha chairperson Jagdeep Dhankhar. The President and Prime Minister condemned the incident, emphasizing the need for dignity and courtesy in parliamentary proceedings.
Key highlights include TMC chief Mamata Banerjee proposing Congress chief Mallikarjun Kharge as the PM candidate during the INDIA bloc meeting. The Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman, introduced the Central Goods and Services Tax (Second Amendment) Bill, 2023, in the Rajya Sabha after its passage in the Lok Sabha.
The Telecommunication Bill, 2023, was also tabled for discussion in the Lok Sabha. Union Minister Amit Shah introduced a bill in the Lok Sabha to replace existing criminal laws, stating that under the leadership of PM Modi, significant changes were being made to the 150-year-old laws governing the criminal justice system.
Amidst the political developments, President Droupadi Murmu expressed dismay over the humiliation of Vice President Dhankhar, calling for elected representatives to express themselves within the norms of dignity and courtesy.
The article sheds light on the legislative changes, political controversies, and the broader impact on parliamentary proceedings, showcasing the dynamic nature of the Winter Session.