Legislative Agenda
Repealing and Amending Bill, 2023
Status: Passed by the Lok Sabha, listed for consideration and passage in the Rajya Sabha.
Post Office Bill, 2023
Status: Introduced in the previous session, listed for discussion and potential passage in both houses.
Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Bill, 2023
Status: Introduced in the previous session, listed for discussion and potential passage in both houses.
Details: The bill proposes a change in the method of selecting election commissioners, including the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). It aims to replace the current system, where a Supreme Court ruling mandates the involvement of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in the selection panel, with a new panel comprising the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), and a Union cabinet minister nominated by the Prime Minister. The President will ratify the appointments based on this panel's recommendations. A search committee will shortlist candidates for these positions.
Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023
Status: Passed by the Rajya Sabha, listed for discussion and potential passage in the Lok Sabha.
Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023
Status: Passed by the Rajya Sabha, listed for discussion and potential passage in the Lok Sabha.
Discussion Topics
India's 75 Years of Parliamentary Journey
Details: A discussion to commemorate and reflect on India's 75-year parliamentary journey, starting from the adoption of the Constitution, is on the agenda. The session will involve sharing "memories and learnings" from this period.
Additional Notes
The government may expand the legislative agenda at any time, and it is not strictly limited to the announcements made.
The special session was announced unexpectedly two weeks before the scheduled date, and the opposition parties have criticized the government for not sharing the detailed agenda or the reason for the session earlier.
The meeting of the floor leaders of all political parties has been called on the day before the session begins to discuss the agenda.
Conclusion
The special session of Parliament promises to be a significant event with a packed agenda comprising critical bills and discussions reflecting on India's parliamentary history. The bill concerning the appointment of election commissioners is expected to be particularly contentious, given its departure from a Supreme Court ruling and the implications it has for the autonomy and independence of the Election Commission. It remains to be seen how the discussions unfold and what consensus, if any, can be reached on these pivotal issues.
