Replacing Colonial-Era Law with a Modern Maritime Framework
Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024 Passed to Modernise India’s Maritime Law: The Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024 was recently passed by the Lok Sabha, replacing the nearly 100-year-old Indian Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925. This move is part of India’s larger push to remove colonial-era legislations and modernize governance. The new Bill addresses long-standing ambiguities in maritime trade and establishes clear rights, duties, and liabilities for parties involved in shipping. It makes the law easier to interpret and apply, helping stakeholders in India’s growing shipping sector operate with greater legal clarity.
Aligned with Global Maritime Conventions
A major highlight of the Bill is its adherence to the Hague Rules, a globally recognized set of legal principles related to bills of lading in maritime transport. This brings Indian law in sync with international shipping practices, giving exporters and importers better protection and predictability. The alignment will likely boost confidence among international trading partners, positioning India as a more reliable and competitive maritime hub.
Greater Regulatory Flexibility for the Centre
Under the new legislation, the Union Government gains powers to make regulations and issue directions relevant to maritime commerce. Specifically, it can amend rules around bills of lading, which are documents that serve as proof of shipment and outline terms of transport. This legal flexibility ensures the government can respond swiftly to evolving trade conditions, such as supply chain disruptions or new shipping technologies.
Boosting the Shipping Industry and Trade Efficiency
India’s shipping industry has long demanded simpler laws and fewer bureaucratic hurdles. With the passage of this Bill, businesses can expect reduced legal disputes, faster cargo clearances, and more efficient maritime operations. This legislative upgrade is also a key part of the government’s larger mission to improve the Ease of Doing Business, especially for sectors heavily reliant on import-export logistics.
STATIC GK SNAPSHOT
Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024 Passed to Modernise India’s Maritime Law:
| Feature | Details |
| Name of Bill | Carriage of Goods by Sea Bill, 2024 |
| Replaces | Carriage of Goods by Sea Act, 1925 |
| Passed by | Lok Sabha |
| Aligns With | Hague Rules (International Maritime Convention) |
| Focus Area | Bills of Lading, Shipping Contracts, Legal Liabilities |
| Key Objective | Modernise maritime law & promote ease of business |
| Empowers | Union Government to frame maritime regulations |
| Benefits to Trade | Reduced ambiguity, better international compliance, efficiency |
| Broader Reform Agenda | Repeal of colonial-era laws |
| Applicable Sector | Shipping, logistics, international trade |
