Winter Session of Parliament concludes

New Delhi, Dec 22: The Winter Session of Parliament, spanning from December 4th to December 21st , was adjourned sine die after 14 sittings for over 18 days. A notable accomplishment includes the passage of 19 bills by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, showcasing a productivity rate of around 74% in the Lok Sabha and 79% in the Rajya Sabha.

Among the key legislations passed during the session are landmark bills concerning the criminal justice system. The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023, aim to safeguard victim-centric justice by replacing existing legal frameworks.

However, these achievements overshadow the unprecedented suspension of 146 opposition Members of Parliament (MPs) from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

The suspension follows protests by these MPs demanding a statement from the Home Minister regarding a security breach incident on December 13th, where intruders disrupted proceedings in the Lok Sabha.

Leaders from the Opposition-led Indian National Developmental Inclusive Alliance (INDIA) bloc deemed the suspension undemocratic and initiated nationwide protests. At Delhi's Jantar Mantar, Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, NCP Chief Sharad Pawar, Congress leader Rahul Gandhi, and other INDIA bloc leaders convened a 'Save Democracy' protest of what they perceive as the government's "immoral and illegal" behaviour.

The suspension, first-time in its scale, adds a contentious layer to the parliamentary proceedings. INDIA bloc leaders argue that the government's actions undermine democratic principles, prompting protests not only in the capital but also in various district headquarters across the country.

On the legislative front, several significant bills were passed, including The Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023, addressing legal practitioner reforms, and The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023, which nominates members from specific communities to the Jammu and Kashmir Legislative Assembly.

The Criminal Law Reform Bills received praise, with Union Home Minister Amit Shah terming their approval "historic" as the country embraced new criminal justice laws. Prime Minister Narendra Modi acknowledged the departure from the "outdated sedition section."

While Parliament achieved notable legislative milestones, the cloud of opposition suspension looms large leaving behind a mixed legacy of accomplishments and controversies.