The Repealing and Amending Bill, 2023 has successfully passed through the Lok Sabha and is now listed for consideration and passage in the Rajya Sabha.
The Post Office Bill, 2023 was introduced in the previous session and is currently listed for discussion and potential passage in both houses of Parliament.
Another significant piece of legislation is the Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service, and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. This bill, also introduced in the previous session, aims to revise the selection process for election commissioners, including the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC). The proposed changes intend to replace the existing system, which mandates the involvement of the Chief Justice of India (CJI) in the selection panel, with a new panel consisting of the Prime Minister, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), and a Union cabinet minister nominated by the Prime Minister. Following the panel's recommendations, the President will ratify the appointments, while a search committee will be responsible for shortlisting candidates.
Additionally, the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023 has passed in the Rajya Sabha and is awaiting discussion and potential passage in the Lok Sabha.
The Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023 has also been passed by the Rajya Sabha and is listed for further discussion in the Lok Sabha.
One of the key discussion topics during this session will be India's 75 Years of Parliamentary Journey. This commemorative discussion aims to reflect on the significant milestones since the adoption of the Constitution, sharing valuable memories and learnings from this period.
It is essential to note that the government has the discretion to 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 its scheduled date, prompting criticism from opposition parties for the lack of transparency regarding the detailed agenda and reasons for the session.
A meeting of the floor leaders from all political parties has been convened for the day before the session begins to discuss the legislative agenda.
The upcoming special session of Parliament is poised to be a significant event, featuring a packed agenda that includes critical bills and discussions reflecting on India's parliamentary history. The bill concerning the appointment of election commissioners is anticipated to be particularly contentious due to its deviation from a Supreme Court ruling and its implications for the autonomy and independence of the Election Commission. It remains to be seen how discussions will unfold and what consensus, if any, can be reached on these pivotal issues.
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