The Rajya Sabha passed the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2025, aimed at repealing 71 obsolete laws and making minor amendments to four others, continuing the Central government’s initiative to declutter the statute book and remove colonial-era remnants. The Bill, passed by voice vote, primarily targets outdated amendment Acts and archaic laws like the Indian Tramways Act, 1886. Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal described the legislation as a housekeeping measure aligned with Prime Minister Modi’s vision of shedding colonial mindsets and promoting ease of living, governance, and business. Key amendments include removing discriminatory probate requirements in the Indian Succession Act, updating postal references in legal texts, and correcting drafting errors in the Disaster Management Act.
During the session, some members raised concerns and unrelated issues, such as the exclusion of the anti-defection law from the Bill and calls for reforms in the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act and judicial appointments. Meghwal clarified that these matters require separate discussions. The Bill reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to streamline laws, having repealed over 1,500 obsolete laws since 2014, while broader debates on electoral and judicial reforms continue during the Winter Session.
