Lok Sabha Approves Merchant Shipping Bill

Fast summary

• Teh Lok Sabha passed the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 on August 6, 2025, during the monsoon session of Parliament amid Opposition protests.
• The bill seeks to expand eligibility criteria for ownership of merchant shipping vessels and empowers the central government to detain vessels without nationality in Indian or coastal waters.
• It provides provisions for investigation and inquiries into marine casualties.
• the Merchant Shipping Bill aims to replace the outdated Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 with updated legislation aligned with India’s needs as an emerging economy.
• Opposition members protested in Parliament demanding discussion on poll roll revision in Bihar; proceedings where adjourned promptly after passing the bill.

Indian Opinion Analysis
The passage of the Merchant Shipping Bill marks an important step toward modernizing India’s maritime legal framework.By repealing the older legislation from 1958, this bill positions India to address challenges relevant to a dynamic global economy while strengthening governance over merchant shipping activities within its jurisdictional waters. Its provisions empowering detention of stateless vessels reflect growing emphasis on national security concerns and safeguarding India’s maritime sovereignty.

Though, procedural aspects cannot be dismissed-the disruption caused by Opposition protests over unrelated issues underscores broader questions about parliamentary decorum and legislative efficiency. Despite political disagreements on separate matters like election roll revisions in Bihar, constructive engagement remains essential for addressing wide-reaching reforms such as those targeting India’s expanding maritime sector.

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