The Post Office Bill, 2023

The Post Office Bill, 2023, was successfully passed by the Rajya Sabha on Monday, marking a significant departure from the long-standing Indian Post Office Act of 1898 that has governed the country’s postal services for 125 years. This new legislative framework introduces a host of modifications, reshaping the role of the central government, empowering the Director General of Postal Services, and addressing crucial aspects such as the interception of postal articles, liability exemptions, and the elimination of specific offenses and penalties. During the debate, several opposition parties, including AAP, NCP, AIADMK, TDP, and the Left, expressed reservations about the bill, contending that it runs counter to federal principles. Raghav Chadha from the Aam Aadmi Party articulated concerns by highlighting the absence of clearly defined procedures for the interception or opening of letters and packages. He characterized the legislation as an act of surveillance, raising questions about its potential implications for privacy and individual freedoms.

Comparatively, the current Indian Post Office Act of 1898 also includes provisions for interception, although with some distinctions. Section 26 of the Act empowers the central government, state government, or a specifically authorized officer to issue a written order for the interception, detention, or disposal of any postal article or a designated class of postal articles. This authority was granted “in the occurrence of any public emergency or in the interest of public safety or tranquility.” In instances where uncertainty arose regarding whether an action constituted a public emergency or was in the interest of public safety, a certificate from the relevant government was deemed necessary. Under the proposed bill, the government and its officers are absolved of liability concerning losses, misdelivery, delays, or damages to postal articles. Notably, a new provision is introduced wherein the central government reserves the right to specify liability in accordance with the rules for services provided by India Post.