Lok Sabha discussed and passed the Trafficking of Persons (Prevention, Protection, and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2018. The Bill provides for prevention, rescue, and rehabilitation of trafficked persons. It defines trafficking as laid out in Section 370 of the Indian Penal Code. Section 370 defines the offence of Trafficking as recruitment, or transportation of a person for the purpose of exploitation through abduction, force, or fraud.
Among other things, the Bill provides for the establishment of a National Anti- Trafficking Bureau to investigate trafficking cases and implement provisions of the Bill. It also sets up Anti- Trafficking Units, Anti- Trafficking Relief and Rehabilitation Committees, and Protection Homes. Members raised various points such as several provisions of the Bill already being covered under existing laws. Members also raised concerns about lack of consultation with states. Some members urged that the Bill should be referred to a Parliamentary Standing Committee. Some key provisions of the Bill can be found in our summary here
In Rajya Sabha a motion was moved to call the attention of the Minister of Electronics and Information Technology on the misuse of social media platforms to spread rumours and fake news, leading to rising incidents of violence and lynching in the country. The Minister highlighted the steps taken by various social media platforms to curb the spread of fake news. Members raised concerns regarding the compliance of these platforms with the IT Act, 2000.
The Negotiable Instruments (Amendment) Bill, 2018 was discussed and passed by Rajya Sabha. The Bill seeks to resolve cases of cheque bouncing. In these cases, it allows courts to direct partial payment of fine or compensation to the payee during trial or in cases of filing an appeal. Rajya Sabha also took up discussion on, The National Trust for Welfare of Persons with Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Mental Retardation and Multiple Disabilities (Amendment) Bill, 2018 today. The Bill amends provisions related to term of office and resignation of chairperson and members of the Trust.