New Delhi: After a hiatus of over three and a half months, the Monsoon Session of the Indian Parliament is all set to begin on July 21, 2025, and will continue until August 21. This will be the first sitting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha following Operation Sindoor, India’s precision military response to the Pahalgam terror attack that claimed the lives of 26 people, most of them tourists.
The political atmosphere is expected to be charged, with the Narendra Modi-led NDA government aiming to push forward crucial legislative reforms, while the opposition is gearing up to corner the Centre on several burning issues, including internal security, electoral reforms, and women’s safety.
Government’s Legislative Agenda: Focus on Reforms and Regulations
The Union government has lined up eight new bills for introduction and plans to pursue seven pending bills from previous sessions. At the heart of this legislative push is the Income-Tax Bill, 2025, a comprehensive overhaul of the Income Tax Act, 1961.
Originally introduced on February 13 during the Budget Session, the Income-Tax Bill seeks to simplify the tax code by eliminating outdated provisions and using clearer language, while retaining the core structure and tax rates. It was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) headed by BJP MP Baijayant “Jay” Panda, which is expected to finalize its report shortly. Once approved by the Cabinet, the bill will return to Parliament for final passage.
Top Bills Slated for Introduction
According to PRS Legislative Research, here are the key bills scheduled for introduction, consideration, and passage:
- Manipur GST (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Aligns Manipur’s tax laws with central GST regulations.
- Taxation Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Updates select taxation provisions.
- Jan Vishwas (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Promotes ease of doing business and regulatory reform.
- Indian Institutes of Management (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Adds IIM Guwahati to the IIM Act, 2017.
- Geoheritage Sites and Geo-relics Bill, 2025 – Seeks to preserve India’s geological heritage for education and tourism.
- Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025 – Focuses on critical mineral exploration and streamlined leasing.
- National Sports Governance Bill, 2025 – Aims to reform sports federations and support athlete welfare.
- National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill, 2025 – Aligns India’s anti-doping laws with international standards.
Pending Bills Awaiting Passage
Alongside new bills, Parliament will also consider seven significant pending bills:
- Income Tax Bill, 2025 – A modernized replacement of the 1961 Act.
- Readjustment of ST Representation in Goa Assembly Bill, 2024 – Reserves seats for Scheduled Tribes in Goa’s legislature.
- Indian Ports Bill, 2025 – Establishes new governance structures for India’s port sector.
- Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024 – Updates maritime laws and enhances seafarer welfare.
- Coastal Shipping Bill, 2024 – Regulates domestic trade vessels; passed in Lok Sabha, pending in Rajya Sabha.
- Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024 – Replaces colonial-era law governing sea cargo.
- Bills of Lading Bill, 2024 – Establishes legal clarity around shipping documentation.
Manipur Crisis Back in Spotlight: President’s Rule Extension on Agenda
Another major item on the government’s list is the extension of President’s Rule in Manipur, which has been under Central control since February 13, 2025, due to continued unrest and administrative failure. Under Article 356(1) of the Constitution, such a proclamation requires Parliament’s approval every six months and cannot continue beyond three years.
With the state still battling insurgency and ethnic tensions, the extension is likely to generate intense debate in both Houses, especially amid growing demands for a political resolution.
Opposition Strategy: Targeting the Government on Security, Women’s Safety, and Jammu & Kashmir
The Congress-led opposition bloc is preparing to raise several contentious issues during the session:
- The Pahalgam terror attack and India’s subsequent Operation Sindoor
- Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar
- Restoration of full statehood to Jammu & Kashmir
- Rising cases of violence against women across the country
Leaders from across the political spectrum are expected to question the government’s internal security handling and demand more transparency in defence and electoral processes.
What to Expect This Session
The Monsoon Session 2025 is shaping up to be one of the most significant political gatherings of the year. While the government is keen on fast-tracking legislative reforms to signal stability and economic intent, the opposition is equally determined to hold it accountable on national security, human rights, and governance failures.
With both sides poised for a showdown and the backdrop of recent national tragedies and military action, this session promises intense debate, strategic manoeuvring, and potentially landmark legislation.
