Lok Sabha passes Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, to replace the 1856 colonial-era law
The Lok Sabha on 10 March 2025 passed the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, moved by Ports, Shipping and Waterways Minister Sarbananda Sonowal, to replace the Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856.
Summary
The Lok Sabha passed the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, on 10 March 2025. Moved by Union Minister of Ports, Shipping and Waterways Sarbananda Sonowal, it replaces the 169-year-old Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856 â a brief three-section law that mainly governs the transfer of rights and confirmation that goods were loaded on a vessel. The new law simplifies language and reorganises provisions without changing their substance, empowers the Central Government to issue directions for implementation, and adds a standard repeal-and-saving clause. The government said it would reduce litigation and give clarity to carriers, shippers and lawful holders of goods. A bill of lading is the document issued by a carrier acknowledging receipt of cargo for shipment.
Key facts
- Passed
- Lok Sabha, 10 March 2025
- Moved by
- Sarbananda Sonowal
- Replaces
- Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856 (three sections)
- Key changes
- Simpler language; Centre can issue directions; repeal-and-saving clause
- Substance
- Unchanged
Practice MCQs 3 questions
Which House of Parliament passed the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, on 10 March 2025?
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Correct answer: A â Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha passed the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025, on 10 March 2025; the Rajya Sabha passed it later.
How many sections did the Indian Bills of Lading Act, 1856, which the 2025 Bill replaces, have?
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Correct answer: B â Three
The government described the 1856 Act as a brief three-section law governing the transfer of rights and confirmation of shipment.
Consider the following statements about the Bills of Lading Bill, 2025: 1. It substantially changes the rights and liabilities of carriers under the 1856 Act. 2. It empowers the Central Government to issue directions for implementing the law. Which of the above is/are correct?
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Correct answer: B â 2 only
Statement 1 is wrong: the Bill simplifies language and reorganises provisions without altering their substance. Statement 2 is correct, along with a new repeal-and-saving clause.