Delhi, 21 July (H.S.): Lok Sabha was adjourned until 4 pm shortly after reconvening at 2 pm due to opposition disruptions. Meanwhile, proceedings in Rajya Sabha continued as Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal presented The Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, which was passed by Lok Sabha.

During discussions, TDP MP Mastan Rao Yadav Beedha highlighted that the Bill would modernize the colonial-era Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856, and facilitate digital documentation in the shipping industry, enhancing cargo rights and reducing fraud while boosting investor confidence.

Beedha outlined Andhra Pradesh's Maritime Policy 2024, aiming to position the state as India's premier maritime gateway by 2030, correlating it with the goals of Swarna Andhra and Viksit Bharat. He described the Bills of Lading Bill as a game changer, emphasizing that 90% of India’s trade is maritime. He argued the Bill would improve trade efficiency, address logistical bottlenecks, and promote India's self-reliance in the maritime sector, aligning with the government's vision of making India a global hub for shipping and logistics.

The Rajya Sabha passed The Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, successfully repealing the previous law and establishing a modern framework for bills of lading in shipping. Additionally, seven pending bills and eight new bills for consideration were listed, including those relating to GST amendments, taxation laws, and sports governance.

Parliamentarians have intensified efforts to remove Justice Yashwant Varma of the Allahabad High Court following the discovery of burnt currency notes at his residence. A bipartisan group submitted notices to both the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha for his removal under Articles 124, 217, and 218 of the Constitution. The notice to the Lok Sabha, signed by 145 members including prominent politicians like Rahul Gandhi and BJP's Ravi Shankar Prasad, was presented to Speaker Om Birla. A similar notice was filed in the Rajya Sabha with 63 signatures, as reported by Congress member Syed Naseer Hussain, who noted support from various opposition parties, though TMC members were absent that day.

Jairam Ramesh from Congress indicated that this motion falls under the Judges Inquiry Act of 1968. For both Houses, a minimum of 100 Lok Sabha members and 50 Rajya Sabha members is required to initiate a removal procedure. If accepted, a committee will investigate the charges against Justice Varma, led by a senior Supreme Court judge and others, with a report due within three months. The allegations against Justice Varma have been deemed serious, with indications that he and his family may have controlled the space where the cash was found, prompting this push for accountability despite his denials of wrongdoing.

Parliament is set to reconvene on Tuesday morning after the adjournment.The current Monsoon session consists of 21 sittings over 32 days, concluding on August 21, and will break briefly around August 12, resuming on August 18 for Independence Day celebrations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar