The Lok Sabha on Wednesday passed the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 after a brief discussion, according to news agency PTI. The Bill seeks to repeal the Merchant Shipping Act, 1958 and introduce a new legal framework governing the registration, ownership, and safety of merchant vessels.
It is intended to align shipping regulation with current global practices and India’s evolving maritime interests.
The legislation expands the eligibility criteria for ownership of merchant vessels and grants the central government the authority to detain vessels without nationality.
Under the new law, any vessel not legally entitled to fly the flag of a state, or that has lost such a right, may be treated as a vessel without nationality and can be detained within Indian territory or in coastal waters.
The Bill also provides for investigation and enquiries into marine casualties.
Opposition members continued protests demanding a discussion on the revision of electoral rolls in Bihar. The House was adjourned for the day shortly after the Bill’s passage, with members of the Opposition raising slogans.