Parliament Live: Sitharaman to Introduce Taxation Bill; Congress Seeks Anti-Defection Law Discussion
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
On August 4, 2026, during the Monsoon Session, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is set to introduce the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha. Simultaneously, Congress MP Manish Tewari has submitted an adjournment motion notice seeking a discussion on a new anti-defection law to curb mass political defections.
Background
The anti-defection law in India is currently governed by the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which was added by the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985. It provides for the disqualification of legislators on grounds of defection, but has been criticized for loopholes and for not addressing mass defections driven by opportunism.
Key facts
Congress MP Manish Tewari submitted an adjournment motion notice in the Lok Sabha on August 4, 2026, seeking suspension of Question Hour, Zero Hour, and all listed business to discuss a new anti-defection law.
Tewari's notice calls for framing an anti-defection law that proscribes mass political defections driven by opportunism, while allowing space for honest and critical dissent inside and outside Parliament and legislatures.
Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman will introduce the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 in the Lok Sabha.
The Bill seeks to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, the Income-tax Act, 2025, and the Finance Act, 2026.
Sitharaman will also lay an explanatory statement outlining reasons for the promulgation of the Income-tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 (No. 2 of 2026).
Congress MP Pawan Khera criticized Union Home Minister Amit Shah for his absence from the current session, saying he considers it a big deal to come to the House.
Prime Minister Modi attended the NDA Parliamentary Party's 'Mangal Milan' meeting in Parliament.
The Indian Statistical Institute Bill was also introduced by the government in the Lok Sabha.
Prelims pointers
- Anti-Defection Law: Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, added by 52nd Amendment Act, 1985.
- Adjournment motion: A motion to adjourn the House to discuss a definite matter of urgent public importance.
- Question Hour and Zero Hour: Parliamentary devices for raising questions and issues.
- Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007: Regulates payment systems in India.
- Income-tax Act, 2025: Recent income tax law (likely a new consolidated act).
- Finance Act, 2026: Annual finance act.
- Ordinance: Promulgated by President under Article 123 when Parliament is not in session.
- Monsoon Session: Typically held from July to August.
- NDA: National Democratic Alliance.
- Indian Statistical Institute Bill: Related to the Indian Statistical Institute, a premier statistical institution.
Mains angles
- Discuss the effectiveness of the current anti-defection law in preventing political defections and its impact on democracy.
- Critically examine the need for a new anti-defection law that balances curbing defections with protecting dissent.
- Analyze the legislative process involved in introducing a taxation bill and the role of ordinances in lawmaking.
- Evaluate the significance of parliamentary devices like adjournment motions in ensuring accountability.