The Monsoon Session of Parliament is poised to be a contentious one, with the government indicating a willingness to debate key national issues amidst a backdrop of opposition demands and potential political flashpoints. Scheduled to commence on July 21 and continue until August 21, 2025, the session will consist of 21 sittings, with a break between August 12 and August 18 for Independence Day celebrations.
The government has signaled its intention to introduce and push for the passage of several significant bills. These include the Income-Tax Bill, 2025, a major overhaul of the Income-Tax Act, 1961, that aims to simplify the language and structure of the tax code. Also on the agenda are amendments to the Goods and Services Tax (GST), taxation laws, and the Jan Vishwas Bill. The government is also expected to introduce the Geoheritage Sites and Geo-relics (Preservation and Maintenance) Bill, 2025, the National Sports Governance Bill, 2025, the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2025, and the National Anti-Doping (Amendment) Bill.
Beyond the legislative agenda, the session is expected to be charged with debates on critical issues. The opposition is likely to raise concerns about Operation Sindoor, the Pahalgam terror attack, and U.S. President Donald Trump's claims of having averted a nuclear war between India and Pakistan. The INDIA bloc, comprising 24 opposition parties, is also expected to voice concerns regarding the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, alleging that it could undermine voting rights.
Several factors point towards a potentially stormy session. The opposition is demanding answers from the government on various issues, including the aforementioned Operation Sindoor and the Pahalgam terror attack. The government has stated its willingness to discuss these issues, emphasizing that any debate must adhere to parliamentary rules and procedures. Additionally, there is the possibility of an impeachment motion against High Court judge Justice Yashwant Varma, who is facing corruption allegations, adding another layer of potential conflict.
In an effort to modernize parliamentary functions, the Lok Sabha Chamber has been equipped with multimedia conferencing devices at every Member of Parliament's seat. A new feature will also allow MPs to digitally mark their attendance through these devices, streamlining procedures and saving time. Furthermore, the Lok Sabha Secretariat has begun publishing daily Parliamentary business and agenda papers in 12 languages using AI-based tools, promoting linguistic inclusivity and citizen engagement.
The session is also expected to address the extension of President's Rule in Manipur, which was imposed on February 13, 2025. As per constitutional requirements, such a proclamation must receive Parliamentary approval every six months.
The Monsoon Session of Parliament promises to be a busy and potentially turbulent period, with key legislative business and intense debates on national issues on the horizon.