Thu Feb 13 10:45:27 UTC 2025: ## Parliament in Uproar Over Waqf Bill; Simplified Income Tax Bill Introduced

**New Delhi, February 13, 2025** – Day 9 of India’s Budget Session was marked by significant disruptions and the introduction of a landmark bill. The Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha saw heated exchanges over the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) report on the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, 2024, with the opposition alleging the suppression of dissenting opinions.

Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, denounced the report as “unconstitutional and fake,” claiming dissent notes submitted by multiple MPs were omitted. Similar accusations were made by other opposition members, including Congress’ Gaurav Gogoi and TMC’s Dola Sen, who highlighted the unusual practice of tabling the report in the Rajya Sabha before the Lok Sabha. While Union Minister Kiren Rijiju refuted these claims, the opposition’s walkouts and strong condemnation continued. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha, Om Birla, attempted to mediate the situation, assuring the MPs that efforts were made to include as many dissent notes as possible.

Amidst the turmoil, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman introduced the Income Tax Bill, 2025, aimed at simplifying the six-decade-old Income Tax Act of 1961. The bill, comprising 536 sections across 622 pages, replaces outdated terminology like “previous year” and “assessment year” with a single “tax year,” making the legislation more reader-friendly. It removes redundant sections, simplifies language, and includes a “Taxpayer’s Charter.” Crucially, the bill does not alter existing tax slabs or rebates and is expected to come into effect on April 1, 2026. The bill will now be sent to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance for further deliberation. The Lok Sabha was adjourned until March 10th.

The day’s events highlight a significant clash between the ruling BJP and the opposition parties, with the debate over the Waqf Bill overshadowing the introduction of the potentially impactful Income Tax Bill. Further parliamentary proceedings will reveal the fate of both bills and the resolution of the ongoing political tensions.

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