Rajya Sabha Passes ‘Bills of Lading, 2025’; Set to Replace 169-Year-Old Colonial Maritime Law

New Delhi: Marking a major overhaul of India’s maritime legal framework, the Rajya Sabha on Friday passed the ‘Bills of Lading, 2025’, replacing a 169-year-old colonial-era law with a streamlined, globally aligned statute. The bill, which had earlier secured the Lok Sabha’s approval, now awaits Presidential assent to become law.

The bill, introduced by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping & Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, seeks to modernize maritime shipping documentation by replacing the Indian Bills of Lading Act of 1856, a relic from the colonial era.

The legislation, which had already cleared the Lok Sabha, is expected to transform the legal landscape governing maritime trade in India. Once enacted, it will align the country’s shipping documentation with global standards while enhancing the ease of doing business.

Tabling the bill in the upper house, Minister Sonowal invoked the vision of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to build a ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, stressing the need for legislative reform to match India’s aspirations.

“India must act with speed and scale to reform its systems and transform its future,” the Minister quoted the Prime Minister, underscoring the urgency behind the reform.

The Bills of Lading, 2025 introduces simplified, business-friendly language, replaces outdated terminology, and clearly defines the rights and obligations of carriers, shippers, and lawful holders. These changes are aimed at reducing ambiguities in shipping documentation, minimizing legal disputes, and enhancing India’s standing in global maritime trade.

Minister Sonowal also highlighted the historical context of the reform, noting that the legislation comes at a moment when India is celebrating 76 years since the adoption of its Constitution.

“It is the perfect time to cast aside the remnants of colonial and pre-constitutional legacies that hinder our progress,” he said.

“Swarnim Bharat needs a statute that is contemporary, crafted by our own people, and capable of addressing the challenges of the modern era.”

Key features of the bill include an enabling clause allowing the Central Government to issue directions for effective implementation, and a standard repeal and saving clause to ensure the continuity of actions taken under the previous Act.

The Minister called the reform essential to ensuring that India’s legal framework keeps pace with its expanding maritime economy.

“As our maritime sector expands rapidly, this reform will boost ease of doing business, reduce disputes, and strengthen India’s global trade standing,” he told the House.

With the passage of the Bills of Lading, 2025, India moves closer to establishing a robust, modern, and self-reliant maritime framework — one that supports both national growth and international trade ambitions.