Parliament Winter Session 2023: The winter session of Parliament started on a tumultuous note as Opposition leaders raised slogans against the BJP government, focusing on the ‘cash-for-query’ case and the Ethics Committee’s recommendation for the expulsion of TMC MP Mahua Moitra. The BJP, riding high on recent electoral victories, aims to confront the Congress-led Opposition during the session.
Key legislative matters slated for discussion include the demand for Moitra’s expulsion, along with the introduction of bills such as the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita Bill 2023, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita Bill 2023, and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill 2023. These bills propose substantial changes to the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, Indian Evidence Act, 1872, and Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973. Additionally, a bill regulating appointments of the Chief Election Commission and other election commissioners is on the agenda.
The Narendra Modi government plans to extend women’s reservation in legislative bodies to include the Jammu and Kashmir and Puducherry assemblies. Two new bills addressing this initiative are set to be discussed in the winter session. With 15 sittings scheduled until December 22, this session serves as the last opportunity for the government to pass significant legislation before the 2024 Lok Sabha polls.