Rajya Sabha Passes Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025

On 6th August 2025, the Rajya Sabha passed the Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025, amid loud protests by the Opposition over the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar. The Bill had earlier been cleared by the Lok Sabha.

Key Points

Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2025: Replaces the century-old Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925. It adopts the Hague-Visby Rules, an internationally accepted maritime standard followed by nations like the United Kingdom.
Purpose: Aims to simplify maritime trade laws, reduce litigation risks, and improve transparency and commercial efficiency in cargo movement by sea.
Parallel Legislation: The Lok Sabha passed the Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, intended to replace the outdated Merchant Shipping Act, 1958.
Project Significance: Union Minister Sarbananda Sonowal stated the new legislation reflects the Modi government’s commitment to building a modern, globally aligned maritime framework.
Maritime Vision: The Bill aims to position India as a global leader in maritime trade, improve seafarer welfare, and ensure sustainable growth and innovation in the sector.