Table of Contents
Context: Recently the Post Office Bill, 2023 has been introduced into the Lok sabha for consideration seeking to repeal the Indian Post Office Act of 1898.
Indian Post Office Act of 1898 Vs Post Office Bill, 2023
Feature | Indian Post Office Act 1898 | Post Office Bill 2023 |
Exclusive Privileges | Central government has exclusive right to convey letters | No exclusive privileges granted |
Services Offered | Specified – letter delivery, parcels, money orders | Prescribed by central government |
Interception of Postal Articles | Permitted during public emergency, for public safety/tranquillity |
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Examination of Prohibited/Duty-Liable Articles | Officer in charge can examine suspected articles | No power of examination; central government can empower officer to deliver item to customs/other authority |
Regulation of Private Couriers | Not included | Brought under the Bill’s ambit |
Liability of Post Office/Officials | Exempt from liability unless prescribed in rules | Exempt from liability for loss, misdelivery, delay, damage (except prescribed liabilities) |
Recovery of Unpaid Charges | Not specified | Charges become land revenue due and recoverable as such |
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Concerns Raised against Post Office Bill, 2023
- Conflict of Interest: The Bill exempts India Post from liability for service lapses. However, the liability will be defined through rules made by the central government, which also controls India Post. This creates a potential for bias and a lack of accountability.
- Threat to Privacy: The Bill omits penalties for unauthorised opening of mail by postal officials. This raises concerns about violations of consumer privacy and a lack of deterrence against such actions.
- Procedural Ambiguity: The Bill lacks specific procedures for intercepting postal articles. This absence of safeguards could pose threats to freedom of speech and expression, potentially exceeding reasonable restrictions outlined in the Constitution.
- Vagueness in Terminology: The Bill cites broad terms like “emergency” as grounds for interception, which might exceed constitutional limitations on such restrictions. This vagueness raises concerns about the potential misuse of the power to intercept.