Recent Bills Passed in Parliament

Recent key bills passed in the Indian Parliament include the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act to prevent exam malpractices; the Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, expanding reservation; the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, decriminalizing pollution-related offences; and amendments to the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Orders for updated tribe lists in Odisha and Andhra Pradesh.

Passing a bill involves three readings: introduction, committee review, and final vote. Money and financial bills start in the Lok Sabha, and after passing both houses, the President may assent, veto, or return for reconsideration.

How a bill is passed in Indian Parliament?

The introduction of a bill in Parliament marks the start of the legislative process, with Ordinary Bills being introduced in either the Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha, while Money Bills must originate in the Lok Sabha with the President’s recommendation. 

• Readings of the bill: The bill undergoes three readings: the First Reading, where it's introduced and published in the Gazette without debate; the Second Reading, involving general discussion, committee review, and consideration of amendments; and the Third Reading, where the final bill is debated and voted on.
• Bill in the Other House: After passing in the originating house, the bill moves to the other house for similar scrutiny. Money Bills have limited review in the Rajya Sabha, which can suggest changes but not amend or reject them. 
• Resolution of Disagreements and Joint Sitting: If disagreements arise, a joint sitting may be called to resolve the deadlock, except for Money or Constitutional Amendment Bills. 
• Presidential Assent: Finally, the President gives assent, which may include withholding or returning the bill for reconsideration, except for Money Bills, which must be passed again by both houses for assent.

List of Recent Bills Passed in Parliament 

During the recent sessions of Parliament, significant legislation such as the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024, the Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024 were approved. Other notable bills include the Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2024. These legislative actions reflect ongoing efforts to address various socio-economic issues in India.

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Bill, 2024

The Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act 2024 aims to enhance the credibility of public exams by preventing information leaks before scheduled times and unauthorized access to examination halls. Focused on combating cheating, it defines a public examination under Section 2(k) as any exam conducted by a listed “public examination authority” or another authority notified by the Central Government.

• Applicability and Coverage: The bill applies to public exams conducted by key institutions like UPSC, SSC, RRB, NTA, and other central government authorities, covering recruitment and assessment exams across government sectors to prevent malpractices.
• Offences: Prohibits actions such as unauthorized access to exam materials, aiding candidates unfairly, tampering with networks or documents, organizing fake exams, and unauthorized exam centre disruptions. Offenders may face 3-5 years of imprisonment and fines up to Rs. 10 lakh.
• Service Provider Responsibilities: Service providers (organizations aiding exam authorities) must report violations. Offences include shifting exam centres without permission and violating exam rules. 
  • Penalties include a fine of up to Rs. 1 crore and a ban on conducting exams for four years.
• Organized Crimes: Higher penalties for organized crimes involving exams, including imprisonment of 5-10 years and a minimum fine of Rs. 1 crore. 
• Investigation: Offenses are cognizable, non-bailable, and non-compoundable. Senior officers will handle investigations, which may be transferred to a central agency.

The Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024

The Jammu and Kashmir Local Bodies Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024 introduces key changes to three laws applicable in Jammu and Kashmir:

• Expansion of Reservation: Extends seat reservations to Other Backward Classes (OBCs) across local bodies, including panchayats, municipalities, and municipal corporations. This builds on the existing reservations for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). 
  • Additionally, one-third of reserved seats are allocated for women.
• The mandate of the State Election Commission: Grants the J&K State Election Commission authority over election preparations for all local bodies, a role previously split with the Chief Electoral Officer for municipal institutions.
• Terms and Removal of State Election Commissioner: Modifies the State Election Commissioner’s terms, allowing reappointment to other government roles and authorizing the Lieutenant Governor to determine salary. 
  • Removal will now align with the process for removing a High Court judge.
• Electoral Roll Management: Empowers the State Election Commission to set additional criteria for removing names from the electoral roll beyond age and mental competency.

The Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2024

The Constitution (Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes) Orders (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced in the Rajya Sabha, by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs. This Bill aims to update the lists of Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST) in Odisha by making the following modifications:

• Addition of New Communities to Scheduled Tribes: The Bill adds several communities to the Scheduled Tribes list in Odisha, including the Muka Dora, Mooka Dora, Nuka Dora, and Nooka Dora, specifically for the districts of Koraput, Nowrangapur, Rayagada, and Malkangiri. 
  • Additionally, the Konda Reddy and Konda Reddi communities are included, broadening their recognition as Scheduled Tribes.
• Reclassification of Communities: Tamadia and Tamudia communities are moved from the SC list to the ST list, recognizing their status among Odisha's indigenous communities.
• Inclusion of Synonyms and Phonetic Variants: Adds phonetic variations and synonyms to the names of certain communities in the STs list, allowing for clearer identification and inclusivity.

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024

The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Amendment Bill, 2024 was introduced Environment, Forests, and Climate Change amends the Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974 which established the central and state pollution control boards (CPCB and SPCBs). 

The Water Amendment Bill, 2024 Key Provisions

The Bill allows central exemptions for some industrial plants from SPCB consent, regulates SPCB chairman appointments, replaces imprisonment with fines for pollution violations, appoints adjudicating officers to impose penalties, enables court action based on board/public complaints, and fines department heads for violations unless due diligence is shown.

• Consent Exemptions: The central government, with CPCB's consultation, may exempt certain industrial plants from requiring SPCB consent for discharges. Guidelines may also be issued for granting or revoking SPCB consents. Violations of consent requirements remain punishable with imprisonment and fines.
• SPCB Chairman Appointment: The central government will now regulate the nomination and service terms of the SPCB chairman, previously nominated solely by the state government.
• Penalties for Pollutant Discharges: The Bill replaces imprisonment with penalties (ranging from Rs 10,000 to Rs 15 lakh) for violations of pollution standards in water bodies, with imprisonment reserved for non-payment of penalties.
• Adjudication Process: Adjudicating officers, of Joint Secretary rank or equivalent, may now be appointed by the central government to determine penalties. Appeals against their orders can be made to the National Green Tribunal after depositing 10% of the penalty.
• Cognizance of Offences: Courts may take cognizance of offences based on complaints from CPCB, SPCB, or the adjudicating officer, along with public complaints after notifying the boards.
• Government Department Offences: Department heads will incur a penalty equivalent to one month’s basic salary for departmental violations of the Act, barring proof of due diligence to prevent the offence.

The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024

The Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order (Amendment) Bill, 2024 was introduced by the Ministry of Tribal Affairs in the Rajya Sabha on February 5, 2024. This Bill seeks to amend the Constitution (Scheduled Tribes) Order, 1950, specifically for Andhra Pradesh. The Order defines the list of recognized Scheduled Tribes for each state and union territory.

• The Bill adds Bondo Porja, Khond Porja, and Konda Savaras to the Scheduled Tribes list, enabling these communities to access the rights and benefits of Scheduled Tribe status for their social and economic upliftment.

Recent Bills Passed in Parliament UPSC PYQs

Question 1: With reference to Finance Bill and Money Bill in the Indian Parliament, consider the following statements: (UPSC Prelims 2023)

1. When the Lok Sabha transmits Finance Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it can amend or reject the Bill.
2. When the Lok Sabha transmits Money Bill to the Rajya Sabha, it cannot amend or reject the Bill, it can only make recommendations.
3. In the case of disagreement between the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, there is no joint sitting for Money Bill, but a joint sitting becomes necessary for Finance Bill.

How many of the above statements are correct?

1. a) Only one
2. b) Only two
3. c) All three
4. d) None

Answer: (b)

Question 2: Which of the following statements is/are correct? (UPSC Prelims 2016)

1. A bill pending in the Lok Sabha lapses on its prorogation.
2. A bill pending in the Rajya Sabha, which has not been passed by the Lok Sabha, shall not lapse on dissolution of the Lok Sabha.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

(a) 1 only

(b) 2 only

(c) Both 1 and 2

(d) Neither 1 nor 2

Answer: (b) 

Question 3: When a bill is referred to a joint sitting both Houses of the Parliament, has to be passed by (UPSC Prelims 2015)

(a) a simple majority of member present and voting

(b) three-fourths majority of member present and voting

(c) two-thirds majority of the House

(d) absolute majority of the House

Answer: (a)

Recent Bills Passed in Parliament FAQs

Q1. What types of bills can be introduced in the Indian Parliament?

Ans. Bills can be classified into four types: Ordinary Bills, Money Bills, Financial Bills, and Constitutional Amendment Bills.

Q2. What are the stages a bill goes through in Parliament?

Ans.  A bill goes through the First Reading, Second Reading (including committee stage), Third Reading, and then consideration by the other house before receiving Presidential assent.

Q3. How long does the Rajya Sabha have to return a Money Bill?

Ans. The Rajya Sabha has 14 days to return a Money Bill passed by the Lok Sabha.

Q4. How does a Constitutional Amendment Bill differ from other bills?

Ans.  A Constitutional Amendment Bill requires a special majority for passage and may need ratification by at least half of the state legislatures.

Q5. What is the role of committees in the legislative process?

Ans. Committees examine bills in detail, suggest amendments, and report back to the house for further consideration.