Post by : Meena Ariff

The year 2025 emerged as a turning point in global lawmaking, with governments across continents introducing sweeping legislation that reshaped economic policies, governance systems, digital freedoms, and social structures. While ruling parties defended these bills as necessary reforms, critics warned of shrinking civil liberties, growing inequality, and threats to democratic institutions. Many of these laws triggered protests, court battles, and intense political polarization.

In the United States, President Donald Trump signed the One Big Beautiful Bill Act into law in July after returning to office earlier in the year. The legislation focused on large tax cuts primarily benefiting high-income households earning over $217,000 annually, along with increased spending on military expansion and border security. Supporters described it as a foundation for a new era of economic growth, while opponents argued it disproportionately favored the wealthy, reduced Medicaid coverage for more than 10 million Americans, and added over $3 trillion to the national debt over the next decade. The bill also led to a public rift between Trump and billionaire entrepreneur Elon Musk, who openly criticized its spending priorities.

Another major US law passed in November was the Epstein Files Transparency Act, which requires the Justice Department to release nearly all documents linked to Jeffrey Epstein’s sex-trafficking network. Epstein, who died in custody in 2019, had longstanding ties with influential figures across politics, business, and entertainment. The law aims to reveal how his operation functioned, who may have assisted him, and whether powerful individuals were shielded from scrutiny.

India witnessed several contentious legislative moves during the year. The Promotion and Regulation of Online Gaming Bill, passed in August, imposed a nationwide ban on online games played for money, including fantasy sports, card games, and online lotteries. The law criminalizes operating, advertising, or facilitating such games, with penalties ranging from heavy fines to prison terms of up to three years. Critics argued that the ban damaged a fast-growing digital industry, while the government defended it as a step to prevent addiction, financial fraud, and social harm.

India also introduced the Right to Disconnect Bill, aimed at protecting employees from work-related calls and messages outside office hours. The proposal seeks to ensure workers are not penalized for refusing to respond during non-working hours, promoting work-life balance in an increasingly connected professional environment.

Another debated proposal in India involved mandatory removal of ministers arrested in serious criminal cases if they remain in custody for more than 30 consecutive days. Supporters said the move would strengthen accountability, while critics warned it undermines the principle of innocence until proven guilty.

The Waqf Amendment Act, enacted earlier in the year, triggered widespread protests. The law revised rules governing Waqf properties, removed the concept of “Waqf by user,” restricted who can declare Waqf assets, and changed the composition of Waqf boards. While the government said the amendments aimed to reduce land disputes and encroachments, several groups challenged the law’s constitutionality. The Supreme Court later stayed key provisions but allowed the law to continue in principle.

In Pakistan, the 27th Constitutional Amendment Bill significantly altered the country’s power structure. The amendment grants lifetime immunity to the president and the army chief, consolidates military authority under a new Chief of Defence Forces role, and establishes a Federal Constitutional Court with exclusive control over constitutional matters. Opposition parties strongly opposed the move, calling it a blow to judicial independence and democratic balance.

Iraq also passed a controversial amendment to its Personal Status Law, allowing citizens to choose between civil and religious legal frameworks for family matters. The new religious code permits unilateral divorce by husbands and shifts child custody to fathers after a certain age, raising serious concerns among women’s rights groups.

Meanwhile, Australia became the first country to ban social media use for children under the age of 16. The law requires platforms to remove underage users or face heavy financial penalties. While the government framed the ban as protecting children’s mental health and well-being, technology companies and many teenagers criticized it as restrictive and impractical.

Together, these laws highlight how 2025 became a defining year for global legislation—marked by bold reforms, fierce resistance, and ongoing debates over the balance between national priorities and individual freedoms.

#Global News #Donald Trump