Parliament Monsoon Session 2025: Driving India’s Legislative Agenda Forward
The July 21–August 21 Monsoon Session of Parliament 2025 has become a crucial forum for revolutionary legislative changes, demonstrating India’s dedication to updating its legal and economic structures. Significant progress was made by both houses of Parliament on August 6, 2025, when the Rajya Sabha approved the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, and the Lok Sabha passed the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024. The Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, as well as other important bills like the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, will be the subject of important discussions today, August 7, 2025. India’s proactive approach to addressing regional needs, boosting trade, and advancing governance reforms is highlighted in this session. Here’s a detailed look at the most recent developments from the session.
Landmark Maritime Reforms Take Shape
India made a significant advancement toward revamping the country’s maritime laws with the Lok Sabha passing the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, on August 6, 2025. The Merchant Shipping Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2024 and is designed to replace the outdated Merchant Shipping Act of 1958 and significantly reduce regulation hampering shipping business and coastal operations, and reduce issues with ship registration, maritime training, seafarer welfare, and pollution control. The bill was promoted by the Union Minister of Ports, Shipping, and Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal, who stated that the bill will also facilitate ease of doing business by merchants and ensure the shipping industry is up to date and in line with the global standard practices. While the PTI News posts on the social media site x, pointed out the importance of the new legislation to the maritime ecosystem, it also indicated there is a public and industry-wide support for these reforms.
Also, on August 6, 2025, the Rajya Sabha passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, attached to other non-maritime issues regarding the protest from the Opposition side. This bill replaces the existing 1925 Act on the Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, providing a revised and improved legal framework for the transportation of goods by sea and creating provisions for international trade by sea. The Hindu reported that the passage of the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill brings India significantly closer to modernizing our trade by providing just in time products and related services by sea, and facilitating compliance with the global rules and practices at sea.
The recent legislation puts India in a better position to compete with other countries with efficient and effective delivery of shipping products and services and creating growth and efficient trade.
Manipur GST Ordinance and More
On August 7, 2025, the Lok Sabha will debate the Manipur Goods and Services Tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2025, crucial for synchronizing Manipur’s GST framework with the national framework. According to The Hindu, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will provide an explanatorystatement about the need for urgent legislation. The ordinance involves fiscal challenges for the Manipur region and ensures tax administration continues smoothly while also promoting Manipur’s integration into other economies. This meeting shows the government’s commitment to inclusive policymaking while taking into account regional contexts within a larger national framework.
The meeting agenda also includes the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, which was introduced by Union Sports Minister Mansukh Mandaviya. The intent is to support good governance principles, ensure athlete welfare, and provide methods for dispute resolution based on international standards, like the Olympic Charter — all of which are noteworthy subject matter of the bill. Opposition leaders have voiced their concerns, seeking additional investigation, and have suggested a joint parliamentary committee recommendation. The Hindu reported calls on X for the legislation to be more transparent within the scope of the meeting and testifies a counter balance between governance and accountability within the political sphere in general.
Broader Legislative Ambitions
The Monsoon Session has a challenging legislative agenda to consider, with 15 bills listed including eight new bills, and seven bills held five amendments separated from previous sessions. Two of the bills worth covering are: the Indian Ports Bill, 2025, which intends to streamline the coastline of India for trade; and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025, which is intended to bring India’s bilateral regulatory framework into conformity to the World Anti-Doping Agency Code of 2020. Another key reform bill is the Income Tax Bill, 2025, which is intended to simplify the existing legislation that was introduced in 1961. The government estimates that the bill may be completed shortly after a review by a joint committee of parliament; Mint has provided updates. The session will also touch on more sensitive regional issues like the extension of President’s Rule in Manipur, and the Readjustment of Representation of Scheduled Tribes in Assembly Constituencies of Goa Bill, 2024 which may indicate the government’s dedication to achieving a regionally equitable representation alongside its nation building goals. However, Opposition members in the House may reflect dissent in connection to recent calls regarding U.S. tariffs on Indian exports, especially regarding shrimp, and also with respect to electoral infractions in states like Bihar according to The Hindu reflections on U.S. legislative processes.
Why This Session Matters
The Monsoon Session 2025 is a transformative opportunity for India’s legislative ecosystem, cultivating avenues for change that transcend maritime trade, taxation law, sport governance, and regional development. The passage of bills including the Merchant Shipping Bill and Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill indicate India’s aim to control the legislative framework for an economic modernity; and through the conversations around the Manipur GST Ordinance, we see an abiding commitment to equitable development. The National Sports Governance Bill propels India’s stature in the world of ethical sport.
While Parliament pursues many of these reforms, the Monsoon Session is a testament to India’s attitude in engaging with complex challenges. We encourage you to keep up with updates on the session through established media outlets like The Hindu, India Today and X posts through official handles like PTI News. Then become a part of India’s legislative journey for progress and prosperity.
