NEW DELHI: During the 15th day of the Winter Session in Parliament, it is anticipated that the government will introduce the Telecommunications Bill 2023 in the Lok Sabha today. This proposed bill aims to replace the long-standing Indian Telegraph Act, which has been in effect for 138 years and currently regulates the telecom sector. The Cabinet had approved the bill back in August, and its primary goal is to modernize regulations in the telecommunications industry.
The draft of the Telecommunications Bill 2023, unveiled this year, seeks to redefine telecommunications to include over-the-top (OTT) services, such as internet-based calling and messaging applications. The primary objective behind this inclusion is to bolster user safety and security within these platforms.
Additionally, the bill suggests reducing the authority of the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI), a move that has prompted concerns among industry stakeholders. The proposed changes aim to grant the government the authority to waive entry fees, license fees, penalties, and other charges for the benefit of consumers. This measure intends to foster competition in the market, ensure the continuous availability of telecom networks, and safeguard national security.
Updates on Parliament Security Breach Issue
In the ongoing investigation regarding the breach of security at Parliament, a special team from the Delhi Police interrogated the family members of the accused, Neelam Azad, in Jind, Haryana, on Sunday. Neelam Azad faces charges under various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act.
Recent police sources reported the recovery of burnt phone parts belonging to the accused mastermind, Lalit Jha, from Rajasthan. Although all recovered phone parts were found in a charred state, the Delhi Police is yet to locate Jha's intact phone.
According to information from Delhi Police sources to the news agency PTI, Lalit Jha, the primary accused in the Parliament security breach case, destroyed five mobile phones prior to his arrival in Delhi. It was also revealed that Jha had been providing misleading information to the investigating team.
A total of six individuals—Neelam Azad, Mahesh Kumawat, Lalit Jha, Sagar Sharma, Manoranjan D, and Amol Shinde—are implicated in the Parliament security breach case.
The Delhi Police has requested a 15-day custodial remand for accused Mahesh Kumawat, who is the sixth individual arrested in connection with the case.
Meanwhile, the other five accused, including Lalit Jha, have already been placed in police custody.
On Friday, the Patiala House Court granted a seven-day custody extension for Lalit Jha, the primary accused in the Parliament security breach case, which occurred on the anniversary of the 2001 Parliament terror attack on December 13.
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