The Winter Session of Parliament concluded on Thursday, December 21, 2023, marking an end to a tumultuous sitting that was dominated by the passage of significant legislation but overshadowed by a major security breach and persistent protests from the Opposition. The session, which began on December 4, saw both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha pass key bills, including ones that overhaul telecom laws and the appointment process for the country's top election officials.
Security Breach Casts a Long Shadow
The session was severely disrupted on December 13, 2023, when two individuals jumped into the Lok Sabha chamber from the visitors' gallery, releasing yellow smoke and shouting slogans. This unprecedented security lapse led to immediate uproar and the suspension of over 140 Opposition MPs from both Houses for the remainder of the session as they demanded statements from Home Minister Amit Shah and Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
The government, through Parliamentary Affairs Minister Pralhad Joshi, maintained that the Speaker of the Lok Sabha was responsible for security within the House. An inquiry by a high-powered committee was initiated. On the final day, when the discussion on the breach was taken up, Opposition leaders from the Congress and other INDIA bloc parties staged a walkout, alleging that the government was not allowing a proper debate and was refusing to let the Home Minister address the House.
Key Legislative Business Concluded
Despite the disruptions, the government managed to pass several critical pieces of legislation. The most prominent among them was The Telecommunications Bill, 2023. This landmark bill replaces the colonial-era Indian Telegraph Act of 1885 and aims to modernize the regulatory framework for the telecom sector. It introduces provisions for administrative allocation of satellite spectrum, a move welcomed by satellite communication companies.
Another significant bill passed was The Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Bill, 2023. This law formalizes the appointment process of the Chief Election Commissioner and Election Commissioners, placing a Cabinet Minister, the Leader of Opposition in Lok Sabha, and a Union Minister nominated by the Prime Minister on the selection committee. The bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha with a voice vote amid a walkout by the Opposition.
Other bills that found approval included:
- The Post Office Bill, 2023
- The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2023
- The Jammu and Kashmir Reservation (Amendment) Bill, 2023
Session Statistics and Political Standoff
According to government data, the Lok Sabha functioned for 74% of its scheduled time and the Rajya Sabha for 79%. A total of 18 bills were passed during the session. However, these numbers tell only a part of the story. The session was characterized by a deep political standoff, with the suspension of MPs being one of the highest in Parliament's history.
Opposition leaders, including Congress President Mallikarjun Kharge, criticized the government for running Parliament like a "bulldozer" and not allowing meaningful discussion on issues of public importance, primarily the security breach. The government, on the other hand, accused the Opposition of deliberately creating chaos to avoid debates on legislative business.
As both Houses adjourned sine die, the focus shifted to the implications of the passed bills and the lingering questions over parliamentary security. The session underscored the deep fissures in Indian politics and set the stage for a contentious lead-up to the 2024 general elections.
