Current Affairs - Bills and Acts

The Supreme Court criticized Governor R.N. Ravi’s inaction on 10 re-passed Bills as unconstitutional, specifically citing a violation of Article 200 of the Indian Constitution. Article 200 lays down the procedures a Governor must follow when presented with a Bill passed by the State Legislature: giving assent, withholding assent, returning it (except money Bills), or reserving it for the President’s consideration. The Court emphasized that the phrase “as soon as possible” implies timely action, not indefinite delays. By prescribing specific time frames and stating that re-passed Bills must be assented to, the SC reinforced constitutional accountability and legislative supremacy, grounding its reasoning in Article 200.

The Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens (MWPSC) Act was enacted in 2007 to ensure the welfare and dignity of elderly citizens in India. It mandates that children or legal heirs are responsible for maintaining senior citizens who cannot support themselves financially. The Act provides for the establishment of tribunals to handle such cases and includes provisions like nullifying property transfers if maintenance conditions are breached. This legislation strengthens the social security framework for the elderly and balances their rights with the obligations of family members. It plays a crucial role in safeguarding senior citizens from neglect and abuse.

The original Waqf Act was enacted in 1995 to regulate and manage Waqf properties across India. It provided the legal framework for the establishment of Waqf Boards, registration of Waqf properties, and resolution of related disputes. Over time, the need for more transparency, better governance, and inclusive representation led to several amendments. The Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024 builds upon the 1995 Act by refining definitions, regulating property disputes more fairly, integrating technology through a central portal, and promoting gender and community representation. By amending outdated provisions like Section 40, the bill aims to prevent arbitrary claims and ensure equitable management of Waqf assets.

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, commonly known as AFSPA, was enacted in 1958 to address the escalating internal security challenges in the northeastern states of India. The Act grants extraordinary powers to the armed forces in areas declared as “disturbed,” including the authority to use force, arrest without a warrant, and conduct searches. Its purpose was to provide legal backing to military operations where civil administration struggled to maintain order. The act also includes legal immunity provisions, requiring prior Central Government approval before prosecution of armed personnel. Over time, AFSPA has been extended to various conflict-affected regions, often sparking debates over human rights.

The Disaster Management (Amendment) Bill, 2024 aims to amend the Disaster Management Act, which was originally enacted in 2005. This act laid the foundation for disaster preparedness, response, and mitigation in India, including the establishment of key bodies like the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA) and State Disaster Management Authorities (SDMAs). The amendments are designed to enhance disaster governance, improve risk assessment strategies, and strengthen regulatory powers, ensuring a more effective and resilient response to natural and man-made disasters.