The monsoon session of the Indian parliament, which began on July 20 and is set to conclude on August 13, saw significant legislative activity and political friction on Monday, August 10, 2026. The Rajya Sabha passed both the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill and the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill amid an opposition walkout, while the Lok Sabha tabled four bills before adjourning till Tuesday, August 11, due to ongoing disruptions.
Rajya Sabha Passes Taxation and Evidence Bills Amid Walkouts
During Monday’s proceedings in the Upper House, union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman moved and secured the passage of the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill alongside the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill. According to Sitharaman, the opposition chose to walk out from an important debate, which she termed a “sad state.” During the debate on the taxation measure, Sitharaman clarified that no extra charges or taxes would be imposed on UPI transactions. Meanwhile, the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill replaces a British-era legislation dating back to 1891. Sitharaman stated that the updated law will “strengthen public confidence” and align banking evidence rules with contemporary digital banking practices, noting that commercial operations have increasingly become phone-driven.
Did You Know? The original Bankers’ Books Evidence Act had its origin in 1891, a time when the Indian economy operated differently before the rapid shift toward digital and phone-driven financial transactions noted by union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman.
Lok Sabha Legislative Agenda and Adjournment
In the Lower House, four bills were tabled on Monday as scheduled before the Lok Sabha was adjourned till Tuesday, August 11. The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, seeks to change the name of the state to Keralam, as well as the National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which proposes wider financing powers to the NCDC. Additionally, the Tribunal Reforms Bill, 2026, was passed without a debate amid sloganeering by the opposition. The Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026, was the last bill to be tabled before the lower house was adjourned for the day.
Opposition Demands and Student Agitation Debates
Outside and inside the parliament, political tensions remained high over student protests and government accountability. Congress MP Rahul Gandhi outlined three conditions for the opposition, demanding that the government clarify accountability, that Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologize for police action against protesters, and that the administration address allegations of Ram Temple donation theft. Gandhi and other opposition leaders pressed for statements regarding police action during student protests in Delhi on July 20. Union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the government is ready for a full and detailed discussion on the student movement, urging the opposition to listen to the home minister’s anticipated reply without disturbances.
Foreign Contribution Regulation Bill Status and Debates
Uncertainty surrounded the proposed Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026. While opposition leaders alleged the bill targets religious and minority organisations, which often rely on foreign funding, union parliamentary affairs minister Kiren Rijiju stated that the government is yet to take a decision in the matter. The proposed legislation also drew international commentary, prompting BJP MP Sujeet Kumar to issue a sharp rebuttal to remarks made by US congressman Riley Moore, calling the foreign lawmaker’s statements regarding Indian Christians “misconceived, misguided, motivated and mischievous.”
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the monsoon session of Parliament conclude?
The monsoon session began on July 20 and is set to conclude on August 13.
What did Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman clarify regarding UPI transactions?
Sitharaman clarified that no charges or taxes would be imposed on UPI transactions.
Which four bills were tabled in the Lok Sabha on Monday?
The four bills tabled in the Lok Sabha were the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026, the National Co-operative Development Corporation (Amendment) Bill, 2026, the Tribunal Reforms Bill, 2026, and the Mines and Minerals (Development and Regulation) Amendment Bill, 2026.
How will the ongoing parliamentary standoff between the ruling coalition and opposition parties impact the final days of the session before its scheduled August 13 conclusion?
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