Triple Talaq, Citizenship Bills lapses as Rajya Sabha adjourned sine die

February 13: The much hyped Triple Talaq Bill and Citizenshp (Amendment) Bill, both pet projects of Narendra Modi led government lapsed in Rajya Sabha on Wednesday, the last sitting of the 16^th Lok Sabha. The House was adjourned sine die on the last day of the Budget session. The Bills will have to clear Lok Sabha again after the General Elections of 2019.

As per procedure, a bill pending in Rajya Sabha, which was passed by Lok Sabha, lapses on dissolution of the Lower House. Both the Citizenship (Amendment) Bill, 2019 and The Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Bill, 2018 were introduced in Lok Sabha, passed and sent to Rajya Sabha. While an ordinance is currently in force outlawing triple talaq, the government has the option of re-promulgation of the bill .

The report of the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India, Performance Audit on ‘Capital Acquisition in Indian Air Force’, was also tabled.Though the CAG report with details of the Rafale deal was tabled in the Rajya Sabha Wednesday, but was not taken up for discussion as the House was adjourned sine die.

Rajya Sabha Chairman and Vice-President Venkaiah Naidu expressed dismay at the lack of business transacted this session. It passed the Motion of Thanks on President’s address, the interim Budget and the Finance Bill on Wednesday without debate.