Colonial-Era Laws To Be Replaced In Winter Session Of Parliament

The Winter session of Parliament is set to commence on December 4 and will run until December 22. This session is especially noteworthy as it will consist of 15 sittings, each of which holds the potential to shape the legislative landscape of our country.

During this session, several key draft legislations are expected to be brought to the table. Perhaps most notably, three bills are slated to replace colonial-era criminal laws. These include –

• The Indian Penal Code
• The Code of Criminal Procedure
• The Evidence Act.

The replacement of these laws is a significant step, as it marks a move away from the remnants of colonial rule, bringing our legal system more in line with the needs of contemporary India.

In addition to these, there are currently 37 bills pending in India’s Parliament. Out of these, 12 are listed for consideration and passing, and seven more are slated for introduction, consideration, and passing. This includes another pivotal bill related to the appointment of the chief election commissioner and election commissioners. 

This bill seeks to alter the status of these positions to be on par with that of a cabinet secretary, a change from their current status equivalent to a Supreme Court judge. The government had previously held back on pushing this bill, amidst opposition and concerns raised by former chief election commissioners.

An intriguing element on the agenda is the report of the Ethics Committee concerning the “cash-for-query” allegations against Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra. This report, which is to be tabled in the Lok Sabha on the first day of the Winter Session, has garnered significant attention. 

It reportedly suggests that due to serious malpractice on the part of Mahua Moitra, she should face severe punishment, including possible expulsion from the Membership of the Seventeenth Lok Sabha. 

The report recommends an intense, legal, and institutional inquiry by the Government of India. This recommendation, if adopted by the House, could have far-reaching implications.

Also Read: India To Entirely Secure Pakistan, Bangladesh Borders In Next 2 Years

So, as we look forward to the Winter session of Parliament, it’s clear that there are many critical issues on the table. From the overhaul of colonial-era laws to the ethical conduct of our representatives, this session promises to be both eventful and impactful.