New Delhi, Aug. 6 -- The Lok Sabha passed the Merchant Shipping Bill on Wednesday, paving the way for compliance with India's obligations under maritime treaties and international instruments and ensure the development of the shipping industry.

The bill was passed after a brief discussion as opposition parties continued with protests seeking a discussion on poll roll revision in Bihar. As soon as the bill was passed, the house proceedings were adjourned for the day.

The Merchant Shipping Bill, 2024, introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2024, proposes to replace the Merchant Shipping Act of 1958, which presently governs merchant shipping in India and implements certain International Maritime Organization (IMO) conventions. However, th...