The Law Ministry proposed the inclusion of sunset clauses in certain bills as part of its 100-day agenda. According to the legislative department, this initiative aims to integrate automatic repealing clauses into new legislative proposals.
New Delhi: The Law Ministry proposed the introduction of a “sunset clause”, or automatic repeal provision, in certain types of bills to streamline statute books. This initiative is part of their 100-day agenda.
The sunset clause primarily intended for laws of a temporary nature or those addressing dynamic situations, ensuring they are removed from the statute books once their utility ended.
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The legislative department within the ministry included the sunset clause in new legislative proposals as part of its 100-day agenda, indicating that steps will be taken in collaboration with relevant ministries. Ahead of the Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi instructed all union ministries and departments to develop a 100-day agenda for the upcoming government.
Former Union Law Secretary P K Malhotra explained that when the legislature whether Parliament or a state legislature aims to limit the lifespan of a legislation, it may include a sunset clause.
This clause specifies that the law will expire after a certain period, typically five or ten years, depending on the requirement.
Former Union Law Secretary P K Malhotra stated,
“The legislature can enact a new law to extend the lifespan of a statute that has become inoperative due to the sunset clause.”
The legislative department aims to include the sunset clause or automatic repeal provision in new legislative proposals, in consultation with the relevant administrative ministries and departments. Necessary actions will be taken as proposals are received, it noted.
Malhotra explained,
“This is a long-standing demand and is a common practice in other countries as well,”
He also added,
“There are many legislations where such a clause could be beneficial. It ensures that Parliament or state legislatures remain vigilant, and if a law needs to continue, they can renew it. Otherwise, it will automatically expire on the specified date.”
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The legislative department emphasized its plan to work with concerned ministries and departments to incorporate these clauses into new legislative proposals as part of its 100-day agenda.
The broader 100-day agenda of the government includes ambitious infrastructure projects, healthcare improvements, and economic reforms. These plans are part of a larger strategy to drive growth and efficiency in various sectors, aligning with the long-term vision for India’s development.
This measure aims to ensure periodic review and relevance of legislation, preventing outdated or redundant laws from persisting indefinitely.