Year Ender 2019: Major Legislation Passed This Year That You Must Know About

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In the year 2019, the Parliament gave way to some historic legislation. Here is taking a look at some of the Acts of the Parliament of India which sent ripples through the socio-political circles.

Citizenship Amendment Act: According to the Act, members of Hindu, Sikh, Buddhist, Jain, Parsi and Christian communities who have come from Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan till December 31, 2014 and facing religious persecution there will not be treated as illegal immigrants but given Indian citizenship. The passing of Act has led to unprecedented protests across nation, with those opposing it, alleging it to be violative of constitutional ideals.

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Act, 2019: The bill for amendment in the above Act was introduced in parliament on July 8. It was passed by Lok Sabha on July 15, and by Rajya Sabha on July 17. The amendments gave powers to the Director General of the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to attach properties acquired from proceeds of terrorism. Earlier, an investigating officer was required to obtain the prior approval of the Director General of Police to seize properties that may be connected with terrorism. It additionally empowers the officers of the NIA, of the rank of Inspector or above, to investigate cases.

Scrapping of Article 370, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act: The scrapping of Article 370 which granted special status to the erstwhile Indian State of Jammu and Kashmir has been done through a Presidential notification and does not require the assent of the Parliament. The reorganisation of Jammu and Kashmir into two separate entities required the Parliament to pass the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Bill. Prior to the implementation, the central government locked down the Kashmir valley, with a surge in security forces, imposition of Section 144 preventing assembly, and placing political leaders under house arrest. While many of the restrictions have been relieved, the leaders continue to remain under house arrest.

The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 or Triple Talaq Act: The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 is an Act which criminalising triple talaq. In August 2017, the Supreme Court of India declared triple talaq, which enables Muslim men to instantly divorce their wives, to be unconstitutional. The minority opinion suggested the Parliament to consider appropriate legislation governing triple talaq in the Muslim community