Sarbananda Sonowal introduces two bills to update maritime laws, aligning with global standards and industry changes
On August 9, 2024, Shipping Minister Sarbananda Sonowal introduced two significant bills in the Lok Sabha aimed at modernising India’s maritime laws: the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, and the Bills of Lading Bill, 2024. These legislative proposals seek to align India’s shipping regulations with international conventions and adapt to the evolving global maritime landscape.
The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, intends to replace the nearly century-old Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, by simplifying and updating the legal framework to meet current industry needs. However, the introduction of the Bill faced opposition from Saugata Roy of the Trinamool Congress, who argued that the existing Act has been effectively serving its purpose for the past 100 years and that the new Bill introduces only minor amendments. He called the legislation “superfluous” and questioned its necessity.
In response, Minister Sonowal emphasised the importance of updating the law to ensure compliance with international standards and to simplify the legal language for better understanding. He stated, “This bill is essential to incorporate necessary changes and provide clarity, making the law more accessible.”
The introduction of these bills marks a crucial step in enhancing the efficiency and relevance of India’s maritime laws, reflecting the government’s commitment to keeping pace with global developments in the shipping industry.
