Lok Sabha proceedings are underway during the winter session of the Parliament, in New Delhi on December 16, 2025. Photo: Sansad TV via ANI
The Lok Sabha on Tuesday (December 16, 2025) passed a Bill for repealing or amending 71 obsolete and outdated laws, including the Indian Succession Act.
The proposed legislation was aimed at removing outdated laws, correcting errors that had crept in during the law-making process and removing discriminatory aspects of certain laws, Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal said, replying to a brief discussion on the Repealing and Amending Bill, 2025.
Parliament Winter Session: Follow highlights from December 16, 2025
He said the progressive legislation would contribute to ease of living for citizens.
The Bill was passed by a voice vote.
Under the Indian Succession Act, 1925, Mr. Meghwal said if a Hindu, Buddhist, Sikh, Jain or Parsi makes a will, it has to be probated, while a similar provision does not apply to any other community.
The Repealing and Amending Bill 2025, seeks to repeal 71 Acts, including The Indian Tramways Act, 1886, the Levy Sugar Price Equalisation Fund Act, 1976, and the Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (Determination of Conditions of Service of Employees) Act, 1988.
It also seeks to amend four Acts, including the General Clauses Act, 1897, the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908, to update terminologies for registered posts, and The Indian Succession Act, 1925, to remove the requirement to obtain validation of wills by courts in certain cases.
The Bill also amends the Disaster Management Act, 2005, to rectify a drafting error.
“These reforms are a step towards liberation from a colonial mindset. Such laws that bore the imprint of colonialism…..are being abolished during the tenure of Prime Minister [Narendra] Modi,” the Minister said.
Published – December 16, 2025 09:24 pm IST
