India’s Parliament has passed the Sustainable Harnessing and Advancement of Nuclear Energy in India (SHANTI) Bill. This new law breaks the State’s exclusive control over nuclear power and allows private Indian companies and foreign suppliers to build, own, and run nuclear plants. The government retains 51% control over sensitive parts like nuclear fuel, safety, and licensing. This ends the monopoly of the Nuclear Power Corporation of India Limited (NPCIL). The Bill supports advanced technology such as Small Modular Reactors (SMRs) with ₹20,000 crore funding. It also gives statutory status to the Atomic Energy Regulatory Board (AERB), which oversees safety and licensing, now answerable to Parliament. Liability rules are stricter and clearer. Operators face fixed caps on liability: ₹3,000 crore for large, ₹1,500 crore for medium, and ₹100 crore for small reactors. Suppliers have no liability. The government will cover costs above these limits, backed by a nuclear liability fund. The government says the Bill will boost India’s energy security, reduce fossil fuel dependence, promote clean energy, and attract investment. It may also revive stalled nuclear deals with countries like the US, France, and Japan. Opposition parties criticize the Bill for reducing accountability. They warn it puts public safety at risk by capping liability and removing supplier accountability. They also oppose the Bill’s restrictions on public information under the RTI Act and weakening of worker safety laws. Critics say the Bill favors private profits over safety and transparency. Currently, India has 25 nuclear reactors managed by NPCIL. The SHANTI Bill aims to expand this sector with a public-private partnership model and regulatory clarity. Supporters see it as key for India’s clean energy future, while opponents call for stronger safeguards and safeguards against risks.