In a turbulent session of the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, the Merchant Shipping (Amendment) Bill, 2024, was passed by a voice vote amid loud protests by the Opposition, which demanded a debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of voter lists in Bihar.
Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal moved the Bill, which aims to modernise the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 and align India&rsquo;s maritime regulations with global conventions like MARPOL and the Wreck Removal Convention.
The amended law widens the definition of vessels to include submersibles, mobile offshore drilling units, and non-displacement crafts, and introduces temporary registration for vessels destined for recycling &mdash; a move expected to boost India's shipbreaking hubs like Alang.
Despite the din, BJP MPs Brajesh Chowta and Mukeshkumar Dalal spoke in support of the Bill. The legislation also grants new powers to the Director-General of Marine Administration to regulate maritime education and ensure Indian seafarers meet international standards.
As protests continued, Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju rejected the Opposition&rsquo;s demand for a debate on the Bihar voter list, citing Rule 325 and a 1988 ruling by Speaker Balram Jakhar, which prohibits parliamentary discussion on matters under the Election Commission.
&ldquo;This House cannot discuss the conduct of a Constitutional authority,&rdquo; Rijiju said, defending the legislative agenda and urging MPs to respect House rules.
The House was adjourned until Thursday following the Bill&rsquo;s passage, with several pending items left unaddressed. The Monsoon Session remains marred by repeated disruptions and confrontations.
[Except for the headline, this article has not been edited by the Benefit News editorial team and is published directly from the IANS news feed.]
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Despite protests over Bihar voter list, House clears Merchant Shipping Bill via voice vote

Lok Sabha Passes Shipping Bill Amid Oppn Uproar

Despite protests over Bihar voter list, House clears Merchant Shipping Bill via voice vote

August 6, 2025 | 20:46 IST