The Farm Laws Repeal Act, 2021

The Farm Laws Repeal Act, 2021, is a significant legislation in India that repeals three controversial farm laws that were enacted in 2020. This Act reflects the government’s decision to withdraw the laws following widespread protests and concerns from farmers. This article provides a summary of the Act, highlighting its background, key provisions, and implications.

1. Act Background and Ministry:

• Background: The Farm Laws Repeal Act, 2021, was enacted to repeal the three farm laws passed in 2020, namely: The Farmers (Empowerment and Protection) Agreement on Price Assurance and Farm Services Act, 2020; The Farmers’ Produce Trade and Commerce (Promotion and Facilitation) Act, 2020; and The Essential Commodities (Amendment) Act, 2020. This repeal followed widespread protests and concerns from farmers regarding the impact of these laws on their livelihoods.

• Ministry: The Act is primarily administered by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare, Government of India.

2. Enactment Date, Number of Chapters, Number of Sections:

• Enactment Date: The Act was enacted on November 30, 2021.

• Number of Chapters: The Act is not divided into chapters.

• Number of Sections: The Act contains 4 sections.

3. Act Governed By:

The Act is primarily governed by the Central Government, which has the power to repeal laws and make amendments to existing legislation. The Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers Welfare is responsible for implementing the provisions of the Act.

4. On Whom It Is Applicable:

The Act applies to:

• Central Government: The Central Government is empowered to repeal the farm laws.

• Farmers: The Act directly impacts farmers, as it repeals laws that were intended to regulate agricultural trade and farming practices.

• State Governments: State governments are affected by the repeal of the laws, as they were previously expected to implement the provisions of the repealed Acts.

5. Penalties/Punishments:

The Act does not prescribe any penalties or punishments, as it is a repealing act and does not introduce new offenses.

6. Important Pointers:

• Repeal of Farm Laws: The Act repeals the three farm laws passed in 2020.

• Amendment to Essential Commodities Act: The Act also amends the Essential Commodities Act, 1955, by omitting sub-section (1A) of Section 3.

• Validation of Actions: The Act does not validate any actions taken under the repealed laws.

• No New Provisions: The Act does not introduce any new provisions or regulations.

• Focus on Repeal: The Act’s sole purpose is to repeal the three farm laws and make a consequential amendment to the Essential Commodities Act.

7. Act Copy: