New Delhi, August 12(HS): The Indian Parliament on Tuesday witnessed the passage of several significant legislative measures, even as proceedings in both Houses were repeatedly disrupted by Opposition protests centred on alleged irregularities in the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar.

In the Lok Sabha, Union Minister of Mines G. Kishan Reddy introduced the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, which was approved by voice vote despite vocal resistance from Opposition members. The Bill seeks to fortify India’s mineral sector, securing critical resources in the face of global supply chain disruptions and reducing dependency on imports. The Chair urged members to allow the legislative process to continue, citing that related petitions were under consideration by the Supreme Court.

Earlier in the day, the House also passed the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, tabled by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. The legislation, lauded by government members, underscores the promotion of clean and green energy, optimisation of India’s long coastline, and enhanced trade capabilities.

Throughout the session, Opposition leaders persisted with demands for an immediate debate on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of Bihar’s electoral rolls, alleging large-scale deletions disproportionately affecting marginalised communities. Several adjournments ensued as protests carried over from the morning, further fuelled by allegations of coordinated voter roll manipulation in both Bihar and Karnataka.

In the Rajya Sabha, legislative business proceeded with the consideration and eventual passage of the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025. These Bills, passed by the Lok Sabha on Monday, are being hailed as the most substantial reforms in Indian sports governance since Independence. Minister for Youth Affairs and Sports Mansukh Mandaviya emphasised that the measures align India’s sporting regulations with international standards, enhance transparency, fortify athlete protection, and combat doping. Several members, including noted sports icons and public figures, spoke in strong support, highlighting the long overdue need for structural reform.

Leader of the House in the Rajya Sabha, J.P. Nadda, criticised the Opposition for obstructing parliamentary work, asserting that such conduct undermines healthy democratic discourse and results in the loss of valuable legislative hours. Opposition leaders, conversely, maintained that the electoral roll controversy touches the very integrity of democratic processes and warranted urgent parliamentary deliberation.

Before adjourning for the day, the Lok Sabha accepted Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman’s proposal to refer the Insolvency Code (Amendment) Bill, 2025 to a Select Committee. The House was adjourned until August 18, 2025, with significant reforms in mining, port development, and sports administration marking the day’s legislative achievements against the backdrop of a deepening political standoff.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar