Post Office Bill 2023

Source- This post is based on the article “Post Office Bill, 2023: Why it was brought in, provisions, criticism” published in “The Indian Express” on 17th December 2023.

Why in the News?

Recently the Post Office Bill, 2023 has been introduced into the parliament seeking to repeal the Indian Post Office Act of 1898.

What are the Key Provisions of the Bill?

1) Aim- The Bill aims to “consolidate and amend the law relating to Post Office in India,” which today provides many services beyond simply mail delivery.

2) Interception of Shipments- Section 9 grants the Centre the authority, via notification, to empower officers for the interception, opening, or detention of items in the interest of state security, friendly relations with foreign states, public order, emergencies, public safety, or compliance of other laws.

3) It also permits post officers to transfer postal items to customs authorities in cases where they are suspected of containing prohibited items or if such items are subject to duty.

4) Exemptions from Liability- Section 10 exempts the Post Office and its officers from “any liability for loss, mis-delivery, delay, or damage during services, except as prescribed.

5) Offences and Penalties– The majority of offenses and penalties stipulated in the Post Office Act of 1898 have been eliminated, with the exception of non-payment cases, which are recoverable as arrears of land revenue.

6) Exclusive Privileges-The current Bill has eliminated Section 4 of the 1898 Act, which granted the Centre the exclusive privilege of transporting all letters from one location to another by post.

7) The 2023 Bill, for the first time, regulates private courier services by bringing it under its ambit.

8) It extends the powers of the Director General of Postal Services beyond postal operations, granting them the authority to oversee activities related to extra services specified by the central government and establish fees without the need for parliamentary approval.

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