Rajya Sabha passes Post Office Bill, Vaishnaw allays Opp concerns on interception

Many members opposed the Bill in parts, mainly clause nine and ten that grant the post officials power of interception and exempt them from any liability.

Shiv Sena MP Priyanka Chaturvedi said she supported the Bill other than the two clauses, stating: “In the guise of reformation, we are including provisions that are no less than surveillance. And, there is no liability for faults in services. It is allowing the officials to open letters, violate privacy, and damage goods without facing any action.”

While stating that the new Bill will make India Post globally competitive, boost trade, facilitate international delivery and logistics, and promote financial inclusion in rural areas, BJD member Niranjan Bishi said: “The central government officer can stop a parcel, check it, confiscate it, and can also destroy it. However, law and order is a state subject, so the state government should be empowered to verify the articles.”

AAP MP Raghav Chadha, whose suspension ended on Monday, said that it was leading to a “big brother syndrome” where the government keeps an eye on what the citizens are doing. He said that the grounds for interception are very vague and procedures to be followed are also not well defined in the Bill. He opposed the Bill in its entirety.

BJP MPs such as Dr Anil Bonde, on the other hand, said that the clause for interception should be worrying only for those doing something wrong. He said it was essential for security purposes, adding that there have been instances where anthrax — a serious bacterial infection — was sent as a powder in mail.

Vaishnaw in response said: “In a society that is as complex, as diverse, and times which are as difficult as they are, it’s very important that interception is done, this kind of provision is kept in the law for the national security. The way constitutional provisions are framed — there a right is given but there are certain carve-outs — similarly in this law, very clearly laid out carve-outs have been kept.”