Parliament Monsoon Session: Lok Sabha passes Bill to curb film piracy, revamp age-based certification

The proceedings of both Houses have been adjourned for the day. The Parliament will convene again on Tuesday at 11 am. 

Congress Rajya Sabha MP Randeep Surjewala said that at least 68 Members of Parliament had given notices for a discussion on Manipur but the government is running away from it. "They (govt) want a discussion but one that should not last not more than an hour and the opposition should not speak during it...The PM will have to come to the House and speak on the issue," he added.

The Lok Sabha passed a Bill to curb the menace of film piracy, revamp age-based certification given by the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) as well as uniformity in the categorisation of films and content across platforms. The Cinematograph (Amendment ) Bill 2023 was passed in the Lok Sabha with a voice vote despite protests by the members of the Opposition parties over the ongoing Manipur ethnic violence. The Bill was passed by the Rajya Sabha on July 27.

Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha were adjourned till 2 pm.

Rajya Sabha Chairman accepted the debate under rule 176, and alloted the time at 2 PM for the discussion on Manipur. However, the opposition wants a debate under rule 267. LoP Mallikarjun Kharge said that 'Manipur is burning ' and discussion should be done under rule 267.

Moments after Lok Sabha proceeding resumed on Monday, the Speaker announced adjournment after Opposition MPs created a ruckus demanding discussion on Manipur under rule 267. 

Rajya Sabha proceeding began amid shouting and chaos today. Leader of Upper House Piyush Goyal said the government is ready to discuss on all issues.

"An all-party should visit Manipur and analyse the situation in the state. We are ready to have discussions on Bihar and West Bengal as well. We have brought the no-confidence motion and the govt should have discussions on it as early as possible. We have no problem in discussing other issues but our priority is that the no-confidence motion be discussed in Parliament," said Congress MP Adhir Ranjan Chowdhary.

On Delhi Ordinance Bill, Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, said "Only those mentioned in the List of Businesses today, will be introduced in Parliament. When Ordinance Bill will be there in the list, we will inform the same" He also says "We have been asking their (Opposition) demand since the first day, they wanted discussion on Manipur and when we agreed to it, now they changed their demand and want the Prime Minister to speak on this issue. They are trying to politicise this issue. They have brought the no-confidence motion, we will have discussions on the same whenever Speaker decides"

"It is time for all parties to be united to find peace in Manipur. Like the INDIA alliance has visited Manipur, I believe the Prime Minister should also visit Manipur and lead an all-party delegation, which we would be happy to be part of," said Congress leader Gaurav Gogoi.

RJD MP Manoj Jha and AAP MP Raghav Chaddha gave notice on the suspension of business and demanded a discussion on the Manipur issue.

Union Home Minister Amit Shah to move the Registration of Births and Deaths (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the Lok Sabha today for its consideration and passage further to amend the Registration of Births and Deaths Act, 1969.

Union Minister of Information and Broadcasting Anurag Thakur is to move the Cinematograph (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the Lok Sabha today for its consideration and passage further to amend the Cinematograph Act, 1952. The Bill was earlier passed by the Rajya Sabha.

Union Environment, Forest and Climate Change Minister Bhupender Yadav will move the Forest (Conservation) Amendment Bill, 2023 in the Rajya Sabha today for its consideration and passage further to amend the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980. The Bill was earlier passed by the Lok Sabha.

Union Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal to introduce the Advocates (Amendment) Bill, 2023 in the Rajya Sabha today to amend the Advocates Act, 1961.

Opposition MPs are likely to resume their protests in both Houses demanding PM Modi speak on the Manipur issue in the Parliament. The government, however, is reluctant to accept their demand. Home Minister Amit Shah already said he is ready to speak on the issue in Parliament.