Parliament Budget Session 2025 Live: Lok Sabha Adjourned Amid Protests, Key Bills Under Debate

The Lok Sabha was adjourned until 2 PM amid Opposition protests during the Budget Session 2025, where key bills like the Income Tax Bill 2025 and Waqf (Amendment) Bill were discussed. The new tax bill aims to simplify tax laws by replacing outdated provisions and introducing clearer terminology, such as replacing “assessment year” with “tax year.” Meanwhile, Congress MPs, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, protested over issues like wildlife attacks in Kerala and national security concerns near the India-Pakistan border. The Rajya Sabha also witnessed intense debates, with the JPC report on the Waqf Bill sparking strong opposition.

CONTENTS:

• Parliament Budget Session 2025 Live Updates: Lok Sabha Adjourned Amid Opposition Protests
• New Income Tax Bill 2025: Key Changes and Parliamentary Proceedings

Parliament Budget Session 2025 Live Updates: Lok Sabha Adjourned Amid Opposition Protests

The Lok Sabha was adjourned until 2 PM after Opposition protests disrupted proceedings during the Budget Session 2025. A key highlight of the session is the anticipated introduction of the Income Tax Bill 2025, a comprehensive legislation set to replace the Income Tax Act, 1961. The proposed bill, spanning 622 pages across 536 sections and 23 chapters, aims to streamline tax laws by eliminating outdated provisions and reducing litigation.

A major change in the new bill is the replacement of the term “previous year” with “tax year”, along with the removal of the assessment year concept. This simplifies the taxation process by ensuring income is taxed in the same year it is earned, rather than the current dual-year system.

Additionally, the Rajya Sabha witnessed intense debates over the Waqf (Amendment) Bill, with the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) report sparking Opposition protests. DMK MP Mohd Abdulla rejected the report, stating that dissenting opinions were excluded.

Meanwhile, Congress MPs, including Rahul Gandhi and Priyanka Gandhi Vadra, staged protests over issues related to coastal and forest-bordering communities in Kerala. Priyanka Gandhi raised concerns about wild elephant attacks in Wayanad, urging the government to provide immediate funds for mitigation efforts.

In another key development, Congress MP Manickam Tagore filed an Adjournment Motion to discuss the relaxation of national security protocols for the Khavda Renewable Energy Project, located near the India-Pakistan border. He highlighted security risks associated with allowing such a project close to a volatile border region.

Union Minister Jitin Prasada defended the Union Budget 2025-26, calling it historic, and claimed that even the Opposition failed to find major flaws. The budget introduces an income tax exemption of ₹12 lakh, which he believes will boost economic growth by increasing disposable income among the middle class.

The Delhi High Court has also sought the Centre’s response on a petition challenging the women’s reservation law, particularly Article 334A(1), which mandates delimitation before implementing reservations for women in Parliament. A hearing is scheduled for April 9.

New Income Tax Bill 2025: Key Changes and Parliamentary Proceedings

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to introduce the New Income Tax Bill, 2025, in the Lok Sabha on February 13. This bill aims to replace the Income Tax Act of 1961, simplifying tax provisions, enhancing transparency, and making compliance more taxpayer-friendly. The new legislation is expected to eliminate obsolete sections, reduce litigation, and introduce clearer terminology, such as replacing “assessment year” with “tax year.” With 622 pages, 536 sections, and 16 schedules, the bill streamlines complex provisions to encourage voluntary compliance. Once introduced, it will be referred to the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Finance for further deliberations.