Bihar Electoral Reforms and the Merchant Shipping Bill Initiate Vigorous Discussions in the Parliament Monsoon Session 2025
As it enters its fifth day on July 25, 2025, the Monsoon Session of the Indian Parliament has been characterized by heated debates and demonstrations, with the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 and the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of the Bihar electoral rolls taking center stage. Due to opposition-led disruptions, the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha have been struggling with these issues during the session, which runs until August 21 with a break from August 12–18. This reflects the high stakes of maritime reform and electoral integrity. These discussions could influence India’s international shipping framework and the forthcoming assembly elections in Bihar, as the country watches.
The Election Commission of India (ECI) launched the SIR exercise in Bihar, which has sparked controversy. Opposition MPs from the Congress-led INDIA bloc claim that it could disenfranchise marginalized voters prior to the state elections. Rahul Gandhi and Gaurav Gogoi, two Congress MPs, have accused the ECI of violating democratic rights and issued notices under Rule 267 calling for an immediate discussion.
Since July 21, both Houses have been interrupted numerous times due to protests, which have included sit-ins at Parliament’s Makar Dwar. Gogoi asserted that the SIR, supported by Prime Minister Modi and Home Minister Amit Shah, is intended to stifle votes, which prompted placards and slogans in both Houses. The Lok Sabha has only met for 54 minutes in three days because of the commotion, despite the government’s insistence that it is open to discussing any topic within parliamentary rules, led by Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju.
At the same time, the Lok Sabha is considering the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, which was introduced by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal. In order to ensure compliance with international maritime treaties, the bill, which was introduced on December 10, 2024, to replace the 1958 Act, unifies laws pertaining to ship registration, ownership, maritime training, and seafarer welfare. For the country’s $2.7 trillion trade economy, it seeks to support India’s mercantile marine and encourage the expansion of the shipping sector. With discussions emphasizing its role in modernizing maritime regulations and boosting global competitiveness, it was approved by the Lok Sabha and is now awaiting Rajya Sabha approval.
Deep political divisions are highlighted by the turbulence of the session, which was fueled by the Bihar SIR and legislative priorities like the Merchant Shipping Bill. Will Parliament settle these divisive issues in its 21 scheduled sittings, or will protests stall progress? The result might reshape India’s maritime future and electoral trust.
