Bills and Acts Passed (2023-2024)Bills and Acts Passed (2023-2024)

A historic constitutional amendment aimed at enhancing women's political representation in India's legislative bodies.

• Constitutional Status: Introduced as the 128th Constitutional Amendment Bill, it was enacted as the 106th Constitutional Amendment Act (CAA) after receiving unanimous support.
• Quantum of Reservation: It reserves one-third (33%) of all seats for women in the Lok Sabha, State Legislative Assemblies, and the Legislative Assembly of the National Capital Territory of Delhi.
• New Constitutional Articles: It inserted Article 330A (reservation in Lok Sabha), Article 332A (reservation in State Assemblies), and Article 334A (sunset clause and implementation details).
• Sunset Clause & Rotation: The reservation will remain in force for a period of 15 years from the date of commencement. Seats reserved for women will be rotated after each subsequent delimitation exercise.
• Implementation Condition: The reservation will come into effect only after a delimitation exercise is undertaken based on the relevant figures of the first census conducted after the commencement of this Act.

A complete overhaul of the colonial-era criminal justice system, replacing substantive, procedural, and evidentiary laws.

• Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023: Replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860. It reduces the number of sections from 511 to 358, introduces community service as a punishment, and defines terrorism and organized crime.
• Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS), 2023: Replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973. It mandates timelines for investigation, trial, and judgment delivery, and legalizes Zero FIR across all police stations.
• Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA), 2023: Replaces the Indian Evidence Act, 1872. It expands the definition of document to include electronic or digital records, ensuring admissibility of digital evidence.
• Sedition Repealed: Sedition (Section 124A of IPC) has been repealed. It is replaced by Section 152 of BNS, which penalizes acts endangering the sovereignty, unity, and integrity of India.

India's landmark legislation to regulate the processing of digital personal data while respecting individuals' right to privacy.

• Scope and Applicability: Applies to the processing of digital personal data within India. It also applies to processing outside India if it involves offering goods or services to individuals in India.
• Key Stakeholders Defined: Defines 'Data Principal' as the individual whose data is processed, and 'Data Fiduciary' as the entity determining the purpose and means of processing.
• Data Protection Board of India (DPBI): The Act establishes the DPBI as an independent body to monitor compliance, direct urgent mitigation measures, and adjudicate on data breaches.
• Penalties for Non-compliance: Imposes heavy financial penalties for data breaches, ranging up to ₹250 crore for failing to take reasonable security safeguards to prevent data breaches.

An Act to regulate the appointment, conditions of service, and term of office of the Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) and other Election Commissioners (ECs).

• Selection Committee Composition: The CEC and ECs shall be appointed by the President on the recommendation of a Selection Committee consisting of: 1. The Prime Minister (Chairperson), 2. A Union Cabinet Minister (nominated by PM), 3. Leader of Opposition/Leader of single largest opposition party in Lok Sabha.
• Search Committee: A Search Committee headed by the Cabinet Secretary (along with two other members not below the rank of Secretary to the Government of India) will prepare a panel of five persons for the Selection Committee.
• Salary and Status: The salary, allowances, and service conditions of the CEC and ECs are made equivalent to those of a Supreme Court Judge (revising the previous executive decision that equated them to the Cabinet Secretary).
• Term of Office: The term remains 6 years from the date of assumption of office or until they attain the age of 65 years, whichever is earlier. They are not eligible for reappointment.