On day one of the Monsoon Session 2025, Parliament enacted the Bills of Lading, 2025, to replace the Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856 that was 169 years old. The Bill presented by Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal seeks to modernise India's trade documentation system in the maritime sector. It makes law simpler, complies with international best practice and fosters Ease of Doing Business (EoDB). It is one of the joint efforts of India to get rid of colonial-era laws. The bill has since waited to get Presidential assent to be law.

Context

• The Indian maritime industry plays a crucial role in global trade however, the industry was regulated by an old-fashioned colonial history act which was a law dating back to 1856. 

• Coming to this realization, the Government of India introduced the Bills of Lading, 2025 which was meant to coincide with international shipping customs, greater legal certainty, and also with faster dispute settlement so that India could be more competitive in her trading activities worldwide.

What are the Bills of Lading, 2025?

Key Features of the Bill

Why was there a need to reform?

• Colonial legacy: The Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856 was not keeping in pace with the trade and was too old-fashioned.

• Legal Ambiguity Old provisions were complex hence they brought about legal uncertainties and delays.

• Global Integration: India had to seek a contemporary framework that was compatible with the international laws of maritime trade.

• Ease of Doing Business: A streamlined legal system will bring in easier and dispute-free business.

Major Modern Reforms 

• Uniformity of Legal Provisions to correspond with the global shipping practices

• Transparency of ship owners, consignees rights and duty

• E-Bill of Lading systems language-friendly to the future digitization era

• Promotes the development of trade by guaranteeing a quick development of cargo and documentation

Symbolism: Free yourself of the Colonial Means

• The enactment of this Bill forms a bigger national movement to:

• Substitute the outdated colonial laws with modern Indian structures

• Realise the Dream of Viksit Bharat @2047

• Assert India maritime economic sovereignty

• Formulate law-making institutions in line with the Constitutional spirit of India

Conclusion

The Bills of Lading, 2025, is one of the first milestones of the cluster of changes in the maritime legal system of India. It does not only make the trade documentation much easier but also indicates the desire of India to be a global trading center. This shows that India passed an archaic garbled colonial law with a modern law to enforce its stand on reforms, self-reliance and international leadership in international trade.

On July 22, 2025, Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar tendered his resignation on ground of medical advice and health conditions. His resignation took place quite unexpectedly on the opening day of the Parliament Monsoon Session. Dhankhar (the 14th Indian Vice-President) had two years remaining before his tenure ended. In his letter addressed to President Murmu, he referred to Constitution Article 67 (a). The resignation sheds light concerning the constitutional provisions in regard to the office of the Vice-President.

Context

• A resignation of serving Vice-President is an unprecedented situation in Indian political life. Till the day he resigns, Dhankhar has been active as per his schedule, presiding in the Rajya Sabha proceedings. 

• His move, citing health reasons has triggered political speculation and debate as to how the succession process will be and at what time.

Vice-President of India: Constitutional Provisions

Article-Wise Overview

Resignation

• According to Article 67(a), the Vice-President can quit the office by relinquishing a letter to the president.

• The resignation takes effect instantly when received but as a rule, it is regarded as being accepted.

Article 67(b): Removal

• Needs a resolution, taken by an efficient majority in Rajya Sabha.

• Should be consented by the Lok Sabha.

• Before moving the resolution, 14 days of notice in advance must be given.

• No reason necessary to remove.

• The Vice-President is not allowed to preside when he is removed in a proceeding (Article 92).

Election and Eligibility

Election Process

• As scrutinised by an Electoral College comprising elected and nominated hands of both houses namely, Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.

• Proportional representation under a system of single ballot by transferable vote.

• It is regulated by Article 324 (powers of the Election Commission).

Eligibility (Article 66)

• Indian citizen.

• Aged 35 years and above.

• He can be elected as a member of Rajya Sabha.

• Shall not be holding any office of profit under the Union or State government or any authority under it.

Term of Office

• The Vice-President serves a five year mandate (Article 67).

• It persists until the new governor takes over.

• Is eligible to re-election into the same position.

Powers and Functions

Key Facts about Jagdeep Dhankhar

Historical Note

• Initially, the Vice-President used to be chosen during a joint session of the two Houses.

• This has undergone an amendment by the 11th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1961 making the process simpler.

 Conclusion

The abrupt resignation of the Vice-President Jagdeep Dhankhar has brought constitutional and political concerns. It emphasises a necessity of knowing the powers, functions and constitutional processes concerning the second-highest constitutional office of India. The Vice-President is very instrumental in the legislative process and the institutional stability in Parliament.