Lok Sabha clears bill regulating top election officials appointments

In the Winter Session of Parliament, the Lok Sabha has successfully cleared the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. This legislative measure, which has already gained approval in the Rajya Sabha, aims to regulate the appointment processes governing top election officers.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to present three new criminal code bills, including the Bharatiya Nyaya (Second) Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha (Second) Sanhita, 2023, and the Bharatiya Sakshya (Second) Bill, 2023, for consideration and passage in the Rajya Sabha. The Centre is also slated to move the Telecommunications Bill, 2023, in the Upper House, seeking amendments and consolidation in telecommunications-related laws.

The Telecommunications Bill, of 2023, addresses amendments and consolidation in laws related to the development, expansion, and operation of telecommunication services and networks, along with the allocation of spectrum. This bill has already received approval in the Lok Saba.

The Winter Session also witnessed a continuation of Opposition protests over the December 13 security breach and the subsequent suspension of 143 Opposition MPs. The suspensions were imposed due to the MPs' persistent demand for a statement from Home Minister Amit Shah on the Parliament security breach. The Opposition, particularly the INDIA bloc, is poised to intensify protests, planning a nationwide demonstration, including one at Jantar Mantar in Delhi, on Friday.