Coastal Shipping Bill passed amid Opposition protest over Bihar’s SIR

The Rajya Sabha on Thursday passed the Coastal Shipping Bill, 2025, amid sustained uproar by Opposition MPs demanding a discussion on the Special Intensive Revision (SIR) of electoral rolls in Bihar, which led to repeated disruptions and ultimately an adjournment of the House.

The Bill, which had already been cleared by the Lok Sabha on April 3, seeks to consolidate and amend the legal framework for regulating coastal shipping in India.

According to the government, the aim is to promote coastal trade, strengthen domestic participation and ensure that India has a robust coastal fleet operated by Indian citizens to meet both national security and commercial needs.

Union Minister for Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, while moving the Bill, said the proposed law would significantly reduce the compliance burden on Indian ships and align with the government’s broader “ease of doing business” initiative. He also underscored that the Bill would play a crucial role in strengthening the country’s supply chain security.

The Bill defines coastal waters to include India’s territorial waters — extending up to 12 nautical miles (approximately 22 km) from the coast — and adjoining maritime zones that stretch up to 200 nautical miles (about 370 km).

The Upper House approved the Bill through a voice vote, even as Opposition members raised slogans and staged protests over the ongoing SIR exercise in Bihar.

Despite the din, the Chair allowed the legislative business to continue, leading to the passage of the Bill. Trinamool Congress MP Mamata Thakur was named by Chairperson Ghanshyam Tiwari for displaying a placard during the proceedings. Several Opposition members also trooped into the Well of the House during the protest.

Leader of Opposition Mallikarjun Kharge was briefly allowed to speak and remarked that the country was passing through “dangerous” times, calling for cooperation between the government and the Opposition. He urged the Treasury benches to permit a debate on the SIR issue, assuring that the Opposition was committed to acting in the country’s interest.

Leader of the House JP Nadda, however, requested the Chair to proceed with the legislative agenda as scheduled. The House passed the Bill following a brief debate amid continued disruptions, and was adjourned for the day shortly thereafter.