Rajya Sabha passes The Bills of Lading, 2025

During the Monsoon session of the Parliament, the Rajya Sabha passed The Bills of Lading, 2025, aimed at updating, simplifying the legal framework for shipping documents.

During the discussion, BJD MP Niranjan Bishi noted that modernisation should not come at the cost of accountability, equity and legal clarity. He highlighted that Section 4 (1) of the Bill allowed a bill of lading to be treated as valid even when goods have not been shipped. “This opens the door for fake bills, fraudulent trading and hawala-type transactions,” he said.

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While talking about the electronic bill of lading, Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal said that it requires a separate framework and legislation. He addressed the concerns about provisions pertaining to the e-bill of lading not being a part of the current Act. He says that an e-bill of lading is not merely a digital version of a physical bill.

Mr. Sonowal also highlighted the development of the Ministry and the Sagarmala programme over the past ten years. He said that the Sagarmala programme focused on evolving world-class ports, particularly in terms of cargo. “Earlier, there was no connectivity, but now there is a synchronisation between ministries and hence effective operation,” he said, noting that the ports are well connected to railways, roadways and relevant agencies. 

Mr. Sonowal moved that the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, be considered. It was adopted clause-by-clause and passed.