The Indian government has unveiled a list of crucial bills, including proposed changes to the selection process of election commissioners, to be discussed during the special session of Parliament scheduled from September 18 to 22. This legislative agenda will also mark India’s 75 years of parliamentary history.
The announcement comes after the government convened a meeting with floor leaders of various political parties on Sunday, one day before the special session begins. However, opposition parties had earlier criticized the government for not disclosing the session’s agenda or rationale.
It’s worth noting that the legislative agenda for the special session, initially announced two weeks ago, may not be limited to the bills disclosed on Wednesday and can be expanded as needed.
The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha bulletins have listed a discussion on the “parliamentary journey of 75 years starting from Samvidhan Sabha—achievements, experiences, memories, and learnings” on the first day of the session.
In the Rajya Sabha, the government has included the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2023, which had already been passed by the Lok Sabha during the monsoon session, for consideration and passage. Two more bills introduced in the previous session, the Post Office Bill, 2023, and the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Bill, 2023, have also been listed for discussion, pending clearance by the upper house.
In the Lok Sabha, the government has listed two bills, the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023, and the Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023, which were passed by the Rajya Sabha during the monsoon session.
The bill related to the selection of election commissioners is likely to be contentious. On August 10, the government introduced a proposed law in the Rajya Sabha aimed at altering a Supreme Court ruling that limited the executive’s authority to appoint the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and Election Commissioners (ECs). The bill suggests a selection body consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), and a Union cabinet minister nominated by the Prime Minister, with the President ratifying the appointments. The bill also outlines the involvement of a search committee in shortlisting candidates for the positions of CEC and ECs. The selection panel can consider names beyond the ones shortlisted by the search committee.
