Highlights of Bills passed by Parliament in 2019

Parliament Bills 2019: The Parliament, in its first session after the Lok Sabha elections, passed not only landmark bills like repealing of Article 370, geographical reorganization of Jammu and Kashmir, National Medical Commission Bill, Supreme Court Amendment Bill, but also created the record for maximum Bills passed in the last 67 years.

Parliament Bills 2019: HIGHLIGHTS

1. Bill to Divide Jammu & Kashmir into Union Territories

   • The Jammu & Kashmir Bill 2019 was passed by Lok Sabha on 6th August. The legislation will split the Jammu & Kashmir state into Union Territories of J&K and Ladakh. Both the Territories will be administered by President through Lieutenant Governor appointed by him. The bill has several laws which will be applicable with amendments. These amendments include eliminating prohibitions on the lease of land to persons who are not permanent residents of J&K.

2. The Supreme Court (No. of Judges) Amendment Bill

   • The Supreme Court (No. of Judges) Amendment Bill was passed by Lok Sabha on 5th August to amend Section 2 of the Supreme Court. The bill includes increasing the number of Judges in Supreme Court to 34 from 31. The bill was certified as a “Money Bill” by the Lok Sabha speaker.

3. Consumer Protection Bill 2019

   • Consumer Protection Bill was unanimously cleared by Lok Sabha on July 30 and by Rajya Sabha on August 6. The new legislation on Consumer Protection Bill will replace the Consumer Protection Act,1986. This bill was passed with a view to strengthening consumer rights, considering the modern-day challenges like e-commerce, direct selling, telemarketing, etc.

4. UAPA Amendment Bill 2019

   • The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill 2019 amends the old UAPA, 1967, in terms of investigation and prosecution of offenses relating to terrorism. The Bill was passed by Rajya Sabha on August 2 and Lok Sabha on July 24. Under the provisions, the central government may designate an organization as a terrorist organization if:
     • It is involved in Terrorism.
     • It promotes Terrorism.
     • It commits or participates in act of Terrorism.
     • It prepares for Terrorism.

5. National Medical Commission Bill 2019

   • The National Medical Commission Bill 2019 was passed by Rajya Sabha on 1 August and Lok Sabha on 29 July to repeal the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956 and replace the Medical Council of India with National Medical Commission. It provides the procedure for grant of license to who is connected with “Modern Scientific Medical Profession” to practice in primary and preventive healthcare establishments.