Daijiworld Media Network - New Delhi
New Delhi, Aug 6: In a turbulent Lok Sabha session marked by repeated Opposition protests, the government on Wednesday pushed through the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill, 2024, via voice vote, despite vociferous demands from Opposition parties for a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar.
The post-lunch session, chaired by Sandhya Rai, quickly devolved into sloganeering and disruptions, as MPs from Opposition benches raised objections and stalled legislative proceedings, demanding an urgent discussion on alleged irregularities in Bihar’s voter verification process.
Despite the uproar, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal moved the Bill, which seeks to modernise the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958 and bring India’s maritime regulations in line with key international conventions, including MARPOL (Marine Pollution) and the Wreck Removal Convention.
Key Features of the Bill:
• Expanded definition of vessels to include submersibles, mobile offshore drilling units, and non-displacement crafts.
• Temporary vessel registration to promote ship recycling, especially at hubs like Alang.
• Enhanced powers for the Director-General of Marine Administration to regulate maritime training, aligning Indian seafarer qualifications with global standards.
Though BJP MPs Brajesh Chowta (Dakshina Kannada) and Mukeshkumar Dalal (Surat) spoke in favour of the Bill, their comments were barely audible over the continuing chaos in the House.
Meanwhile, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju addressed the Opposition's insistence on debating the Bihar voter list issue, citing Rule 325, which bars discussion of matters pending in court. He also referred to a 1988 ruling by then Speaker Balram Jakhar, which reaffirmed the Election Commission’s constitutional autonomy, making it impermissible to scrutinise its conduct on the floor of the House.
“The House is not permitted to discuss the conduct of a higher Constitutional authority,” Rijiju said sternly. “Do you want to override the rules and precedent of this House?”
Despite his appeal for decorum, the Opposition remained defiant, continuing to disrupt proceedings. Eventually, the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill was passed amid the uproar, and the House was adjourned until Thursday.
This session of Parliament — part of the ongoing Monsoon Session — has been frequently stalled by procedural deadlocks and political clashes. Still, the passage of the Merchant Shipping Bill marks a significant legislative achievement, laying the groundwork for safer, more sustainable, and globally competitive maritime practices in India.