The Week In Parliament

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President Ram Nath Kovind, Vice President M Venkaiah Naidu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi congratulated the team of the Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) on the successful launch of the Chandrayaan-2. Mr Kovind said, the historic launch is a proud moment for all Indians and the mission is expected to lead to new discoveries and enrich the knowledge systems. Vice President Naidu said, the successful landing of Chandrayaan-2, will make India the fourth country to do so. In his message, Prime Minister Narendra Modi lauded their hard work and commitment saying it is a brilliant example of the confidence and the capabilities of the Indian Scientists.

External Affairs Minister Dr S Jaishankar said, it is India’s consistent position that all outstanding issues with Pakistan are discussed only bilaterally. Making a brief statement in the Rajya Sabha on US President Donald Trump’s claim with regard to Jammu and Kashmir, he assured the House that no request of mediation was made by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to the US President. The Minister reiterated that it has been New Delhi's consistent position that all outstanding issues with Islamabad are discussed only bilaterally. Stating that any engagement with Pakistan will require an end to cross-border terrorism, the Minister said that the Shimla Agreement and the Lahore Declaration provides the basis to resolve all issues between the two neighbors bilaterally. Some of the opposition members insisted that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should make a statement on Donald Trump's statement. Opposition members also raised the issue in the Lok Sabha.

Defence Minister Rajnath Singh there is no question of third party mediation in the Kashmir issue as it is against the Shimla agreement. Making a statement in the Lok Sabha, Mr Singh said External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar has already clarified in the House that the Kashmir issue did not figure during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s meeting with US President Donald Trump in Osaka last month. He said during the meeting of the two leaders, External Affairs Minister Dr. S. Jaishankar was also present. The Defence Minister also clarified that whenever talks are held with Pakistan, it will not only be on Kashmir but on the Pak-occupied Kashmir also.

The Lok Sabha has passed the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Amendment Bill, 2019 amid walkout by the Congress-led opposition. Replying to the debate, Home Minister Amit Shah said, it empowers the government to designate individuals as terrorists if the person commits or participates in acts of terrorism, prepares for terrorism, promotes terrorism or is otherwise involved in terrorism. The bill also empowers the National Investigation Agency (NIA) to grant approval of seizure or attachment of property when the case is investigated by it.

The Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (Amendment) Bill, 2019 was passed by the Rajya Sabha. The bill seeks for enhancing punishment, including a provision for death penalty, for committing sexual crimes against children. Replying to the debate on the Bill, Women and Child Development Minister Smriti Zubin Irani said the government has sanctioned 1023 fast track courts for speedy dispensation of pending cases.

The Lok Sabha passed the Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage), Bill, 2019 commonly known as Triple Talaq Bill by a voice vote. Replying to the debate, Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said it was important to bring in a law banning instant triple talaq as the practice has continued despite a Supreme Court verdict passed in 2017. 

He said the practice is still continuing in different parts of the country. Several hundred cases have been reported. He made it clear that the Bill is not against any community or religion. Mr. Prasad said, the bill is aimed at providing justice equality and dignity to Muslim women.

He said that the Bill is banned in many countries.


Script by V. Mohan Rao, Journalist

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