1. The Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Act, 2021
Enacted on: 25 March 2021
Key Features:
The Act defines “termination of pregnancy”. It refers to a procedure to terminate a pregnancy using surgical or medical methods. Under the Act, the maximum gestation period for survivors of rape, victims of incest, and other vulnerable women (like differently-abled women, minors, etc.) is increased from 20 weeks to 24 weeks. Section 3(2)(a) of the Act provides that the opinion of one medical practitioner is required for termination of pregnancy up to 20 weeks. Section 3(2)(b) states that the opinion of two medical practitioners is required for termination of pregnancy for 20-24 weeks. The State Government and Union Territories are required to constitute a medical board to determine whether termination of pregnancy can be done after exceeding 24 weeks (if there are major foetal abnormalities). In addition, the Act has replaced the term “any married woman or her husband” with “by any woman or her partner”. Thus, making it more inclusive.
2. The National Commission for Allied and Healthcare Professions Act, 2021
Enacted on: 28 March 2021
Key Feature:
By its very nature, this Act deals with the regulation and maintenance of educational standards, as well as the services of allied and healthcare professionals. It also aims to assess these institutions and maintain a Central Register and State Register. Further, it provides for the creation of a system to improve access, research and development, and adoption of the latest scientific technology.
3. The Model Tenancy Act, 2021
Enacted on: 2 June 2021
Key Features:
The Act governs both residential and commercial properties except the properties excluded under Section 3 of the Act. It is prospective in nature. It would not apply to existing pending tenancy disputes. Arbitration and other dispute resolution mechanisms have not been specified in the Act. It is mandatory to have a written agreement between the landlord and tenant providing the agreed rent amount, tenancy period, terms for rent revision, advance payment of security deposit, reasons for landlord’s entry upon the premises. After executing the agreement, the Rent Authority shall be informed regarding said agreement within 2 months from the execution of the agreement. The security deposit amount has been limited to a maximum of 2 months’ rent for residential property and a maximum of 6 months’ rent for non-residential property. Further, the security deposit needs to be returned after due deductions to the tenant by the landlord when the tenant vacates the premises. After the expiry of the agreement, the tenant can request the landlord for an extension or renewal of the tenancy period. Also, a three-tier quasi-judicial dispute adjudication method has been provided. Adjudication can be done by the Rent Authority headed by the District Collector, the Rent Court headed by the Additional Collector or the Additional District Magistrate. State Government may establish Rent Tribunals upon its discretion.
4. The National Institutes of Food Technology, Entrepreneurship and Management Act, 2021
Enacted on: 30 July 2021
Key Features:
In the Act, certain food technology, entrepreneurship, and management institutions will be designated as institutions of national importance. In addition, it provides instructions and research in food technology, entrepreneurship, and management and the advancement of learning and dissemination of knowledge in such branches and matters connected therewith or incidental thereto. Further, Section 10 provides the authorities of the institutes.
5. The Essential Defence Services Act, 2021
Enacted on: 11 August 2021
Key Feature:
The Act aims to provide for the maintenance of essential defence services to secure the security of the nation, life, and property of the public.
6. The Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021
Enacted on: 13 August 2021
Key Features:
This Act aims to absolve certain appellate courts and tribunals and shift their functions to High Courts. Chapter II of the Act provides for conditions of service of chairperson and members of the tribunal. Provisions on the composition of selection committees and terms of office given under the Finance Act, 2017 have been removed. The Tribunals Reforms Act has provided provisions on the composition of the selection committee and terms of office.
7. The Farm Laws Repeal Act, 2021
Enacted on: 30 November 2021
Key Features:
This Act was brought to amend the Essential Commodities Act, 1955 and to repeal the three farm acts i.e., the Farmers Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020, the Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce Act, 2020 and the Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. Section 2 of the Act repealed the aforementioned Acts.
Conclusion
Thus, various acts and amendments have been introduced in 2021. Their enactment date and key features have been discussed above.
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