Introduction
The Parliament of India, comprising the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha, is responsible for law-making and framing the legal foundation of the country. Every year, several bills are introduced, debated, and passed to address pressing national issues, reform outdated laws, and introduce new policies.
In 2024–2025, India saw the passage of several crucial bills, ranging from criminal justice reforms and digital personal data protection to changes in environmental and economic policies. These bills reflect the evolving needs of governance and the vision for a New India.
Understanding recent legislative developments is vital for students, professionals, and citizens alike, especially those preparing for UPSC, State PCS, and law entrance exams.
Major Bills Passed in 2024–2025
1. Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
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Replaces: Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860.
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Key Features:
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Introduces new definitions of terrorism, mob lynching, and organized crime.
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Emphasizes victim-centric justice.
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Shifts focus from punishment to reformative justice.
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Impact: Marks a modernization of criminal laws, aligning with Indian values and global standards.
2. Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023
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Replaces: Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973.
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Key Features:
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Introduces zero FIR, digital case filing, and time-bound investigation.
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Emphasizes speedy justice and transparency.
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Impact: Aims to reduce delays in criminal cases and improve police accountability.
3. Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023
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Replaces: Indian Evidence Act, 1872.
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Key Features:
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Recognizes digital and electronic evidence.
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Simplifies admissibility rules.
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Impact: Crucial for improving justice delivery in a digital-first world.
4. Digital Personal Data Protection Act, 2023
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Purpose: Regulates the processing of personal data by government and private entities.
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Key Features:
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Empowers users to control their personal data.
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Sets up Data Protection Board.
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Enforces penalties for data breaches.
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Impact: A historic step toward data privacy, aligned with global practices like GDPR.
5. Telecommunications Act, 2023
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Replaces: Indian Telegraph Act, 1885.
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Key Features:
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Covers modern communication services like OTT and internet telephony.
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Empowers government during national security threats.
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Impact: Modernizes telecom regulation to suit 21st-century needs.
6. Forest (Conservation) Amendment Act, 2023
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Purpose: Eases forest clearance norms in border areas and for strategic projects.
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Key Changes:
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Exempts certain lands from forest laws if not notified under the Act.
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Focus on infrastructure development in sensitive zones.
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Controversy: Environmentalists fear misuse and forest degradation.
7. Anusandhan National Research Foundation Act, 2023
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Purpose: Promotes interdisciplinary research and innovation.
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Structure: Sets up the National Research Foundation (NRF).
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Funding: Public-private partnership model.
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Impact: Expected to improve India’s research output and innovation ecosystem.
8. Jan Vishwas (Amendment of Provisions) Act, 2023
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Purpose: Decriminalizes minor offences across 42 Acts.
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Key Changes:
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Converts imprisonment clauses to monetary penalties.
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Enhances ease of doing business.
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Impact: Encourages entrepreneurship and reduces legal harassment.
Other Notable Bills Recently Passed
9. Press and Registration of Periodicals Bill, 2023
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Replaces the colonial-era Press and Registration of Books Act, 1867.
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Simplifies registration and regulation of newspapers and magazines.
10. Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners (Appointment, Conditions of Service and Term of Office) Act, 2023
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Aims to establish a committee for appointment of EC officials (PM, LoP, and Cabinet Minister).
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Criticized for reducing independence of the Election Commission.
11. Mediation Act, 2023
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Recognizes mediation as a legally valid method of dispute resolution.
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Establishes the Mediation Council of India.
12. Competition (Amendment) Act, 2023
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Strengthens market regulation and fair competition.
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Gives more power to the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
13. National Dental Commission Bill, 2023
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Replaces the Dentists Act, 1948.
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Establishes National Dental Commission for regulating dental education and profession.
Importance of Keeping Track of Bills Passed
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Reflects the government’s priorities in governance and reform.
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Helps aspirants understand policy-making and implementation.
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Reveals trends in social justice, technology, economy, and national security.
Conclusion
The bills passed in Parliament during 2024–2025 reflect India’s intent to modernize governance structures, protect citizen rights, and promote transparency, digital reforms, and economic growth. From criminal law overhaul to digital data privacy, these legislative changes are crucial milestones in India's journey toward becoming a digitally empowered and legally progressive society.
For every citizen, especially those preparing for UPSC or civil services, staying updated with these developments is not just beneficial — it is essential. These bills are more than laws; they are tools shaping the future of India's democracy.