KEY BILLS THAT LONG PENDING IN PARLIAMENT

 list of bills pending in Parliament and their status 

The GST Bill

The passing of The Constitution (122nd Amendment) (GST) Bill, 2014 is the most important business of this sesstion. This bill seeks to reduce the multiplicity of taxes and make India a single market by subsuming various taxes. It will give concurrent taxing powers to both the Centre and states. Chances are this bill will be passed as the Bihar debacle has forced the govenrment to relent to the Opposition demands for discussion of various issues, including the rising intolerance.

The Real Estate (Regulation and Development) Bill, 2013

Another important and much awaited bill. It regulates transactions between buyers and promoters of real estate projects and sets up state level regulatory authorities for the sector. The Standing Committee report was submitted on 13 February 2014 and the Rajya Sabha Select Committee report on 30 July 2015.

The Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Bill, 2014

This bill amends certain existing categories of offences and adds new offences against SCs and STs, and establishes exclusive special courts to try offences under the Act. The Standing Committee Report was submitted on 19 Dec 2014. Th bill has been passed by the Lok Sabha and is pending in Rajya Sabha.

The Prevention of Corruption (Amendment) Bill, 2013

This bill makes the giving of a bribe an offence for individuals and commercial organisations, and enlarges the definition of taking a bribe. The Standing Committee report was submitted on 6 February 2014. According to thisEconomic Times report, the bill will also be a relief to corporate chiefs as they will be liable only if the offence "is proved to have been committed with consent or connivance" of the executive in question.

The Whistle Blowers Protection (Amendment) Bill, 2015

The bill specifies grounds under which public interest disclosures may not be made. The bill is passed by the Lok Sabha and is pending before the Rajya Sabha. The amendments to the bill will incorporate necessary provisions aimed at strengthening safeguards against disclosures which may prejudicially affect the sovereignty and integrity of the country and security of the state, among other things.

The Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Amendment Bill, 2015

This permits juveniles between the ages of 16-18 years to be tried as adults for heinous offences and provides for institutional care for children in need of protection and care. The Standing Committee report was submitted on 25 Feb 2015. The bill is passed by the Lok Sabha and is pending in the Rajya Sabha.

The Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2012

It prohibits the employment of children below 14 years and of adolescents between 14 -18 years in certain hazardous occupations. The Standing Committee report was submitted on 13 December 2013.

The Anti-Hijacking Bill

This bill repeals the Anti-Hijacking Act, 1982, defines hijacking and awards death penalty for hijacking in certain cases. The Standing Committee report was submitted on 11 March 2015.

The Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2015

This will replace the Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Ordinance. It specifies the territorial jurisdiction of courts for filing cases of cheque bouncing. The bill has been passed by Lok Sabha and is pending in Rajya Sabha.

The Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Bill, 2015

This replaces the Arbitration and Conciliation (Amendment) Ordinance. It is aimed at making the process of arbitration simpler and ensure timely disposal of cases. This has to be introduced.

The Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts Bill, 2015

This will replace the Commercial Courts, Commercial Division and Commercial Appellate Division of High Courts Ordinance. It enables the creation of commercial divisions and commercial appellate divisions in high courts, and commercial courts at the district level. The Bill was referred to standing committee, which was grangted time until 30 November.

The High Court and the Supreme Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Amendment Bill 2015

This seeks to ensure uniformity in pensions and other conditions of service of supreme court and high court judges. It has not been referred to a Standing Committee.