During the 18th day of the Winter Session in Parliament, Union Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw is set to present the Telecommunications Bill, 2023 in the Rajya Sabha today. The Bill was approved by the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, although 97 Opposition MPs were suspended at that time. A total of 143 MPs from parties forming the INDIA bloc have been suspended for requesting a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah regarding a security breach.
This new bill aims to revoke the Indian Telegraph Act of 1885, the Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act of 1933, and the Telegraph Wires (Unlawful Possession) Act of 1950. It intends to establish a complete set of rules governing the telecommunications sector. However, some critics are concerned that it might violate citizens' privacy rights by granting the government authority to intercept electronic communications. The telecommunications sector is crucial for economic and social progress, and the security of the nation depends significantly on the safety of telecommunication networks.
In addition to the Telecommunication Bill, 2023, Union Home Minister Amit Shah will introduce the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023 in the upper house for discussion and approval.
These bills, concerning the criminal justice system, aim to create updated versions of the penal code and laws on procedures and evidence, replacing laws from the colonial era. The new regulations aim to define economic crimes more strictly, prompting legal experts to advise businesses to prepare for potential consequences.
Yesterday, Parliament passed a bill to increase the age limit for the president and members of the GST Appellate Tribunals to 70 years and 67 years, respectively.
Meanwhile, MPs from the Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc are planning to march from Parliament House to Vijay Chowk in Delhi on Thursday.
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