A significant bill aiming to enable the removal of elected officials-including the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and ministers from states and Union Territories-if they are arrested on serious criminal charges, is set to be presented in Parliament on Wednesday.
As outlined in the draft legislation, any minister detained for 30 consecutive days will be mandated to resign on the 31st day. If they fail to do so, they will face automatic removal from office. This proposal represents a pivotal change from the current laws, which dictate that public representatives can only be dismissed following a conviction.
The bill seeks to amend several constitutional articles: Articles 75, 164, and 239AA, which are aimed at enhancing accountability within the executive branch. Although the legislation does not specify the criminal charges it encompasses, it will apply to offenses punishable by a minimum of five years, including serious crimes like murder and major corruption.
In addition to this legislation, two other bills-the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025-are also expected to be submitted to a parliamentary committee for consideration.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah is anticipated to introduce the motion in the Lok Sabha. Meanwhile, the Opposition has scheduled a meeting for Wednesday morning to discuss its position ahead of the debate.
Currently, ministers facing criminal accusations often resign voluntarily to sidestep political fallout before being arrested. However, the situation involving Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who managed to govern from jail for almost six months after his arrest related to an excise policy case last year, has escalated calls for reform in legal provisions regarding political accountability.
Original Source: https://www.indiatodayne.in/national/story/bill-seeking-removal-of-pm-cms-jailed-over-30-days-to-be-introduced-in-parliament-today-1264064-2025-08-20?utm_source=rssfeed
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Publish Date: 2025-08-20 09:05:00
