The Bills of Lading Bill – 2024 makes consignees responsible for the goods being ferried to them, while the Carriage of goods by Sea Bill – 2024 defines the legal rights, responsibilities and protection for shipping companies while transporting goods by sea. Both the legislations were introduced by Minister for Ports, Shipping & Waterways, Sarbananda Sonowal. The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, seeks to comply with the international convention and with the changing global scenario in the shipping industry.
Saugata Roy (TMC) opposed the introduction of the bill saying that the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, has been serving its purpose for the past 100 years and The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024, only has some minor amendments. “This superfluous legislation should be done away with, it does not help the country,” Roy said. Responding to Roy, Sonowal said the Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925, is already 100 year-old and hence to comply with the international convention and changing global scenario it was necessary to bring in simplification for ease of understanding of the law. “I believe this bill is necessary and is imperative to bring certain changes and also incorporating some definition trying to simplify and better understanding,” Sonowal said.
