What Landmark Bill Did HM Shah Introduce for Removal of Jailed PMs, CMs, and Ministers in Lok Sabha?
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Synopsis
On August 20, 2023, Union Home Minister Amit Shah unveiled three pivotal bills in the Lok Sabha, including a notable amendment for automatic removal of elected officials arrested on serious charges. This controversial move raises questions about governance, accountability, and public trust in elected representatives.
Key Takeaways
- Automatic removal of elected officials proposed for serious criminal charges.
- Legal framework established for accountability in governance.
- Provisions for removal by President, Governor, and Lieutenant-Governor.
- Significant political debate anticipated as bills move to committee review.
- Public trust and constitutional morality emphasized by HM Shah.
New Delhi, Aug 20 (NationPress) Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented three significant bills in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, including the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025. This bill advocates for the automatic removal of elected officials, such as Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Union Ministers, if they are arrested and held for 30 consecutive days due to serious criminal allegations.
The proposed legislation, alongside the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee after a voice vote.
The House was then adjourned until 5 p.m.
The Constitution Amendment Bill aims to amend Articles 75, 164, and 239AA, establishing a legal framework that necessitates the removal of ministers in custody for crimes carrying sentences of five years or more.
According to the provisions, the President will be responsible for removing the Prime Minister, the Governor will remove Chief Ministers, and the Lieutenant-Governor will remove Chief Ministers of Union Territories.
If no resignation or removal advice is provided by the 31st day, the office will automatically become vacant on the 32nd day, though reappointment is allowed following release from custody.
In his statement to Lok Sabha members, HM Shah stressed that elected officials must exemplify public trust and constitutional integrity.
He asserted that their actions should be beyond reproach, prioritizing public welfare over political motives.
The introduction of the bills faced opposition from members who insisted on discussing the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls in Bihar.
Speaker Om Birla rebuked the protesting MPs, stating, "Such behaviour is unacceptable. The entire nation is observing your actions as parliamentarians."
He called for decorum and highlighted the ethical purpose behind the bills before allowing their introduction, but the opposition members continued to disrupt the proceedings.
Subsequently, Speaker Birla adjourned the House until 5 p.m.
As the bills move towards committee evaluation, they have sparked a national dialogue regarding accountability, ethical governance, and the balance between executive power and constitutional protections.
Point of View
I believe that accountability should be at the heart of governance. The introduction of such bills reflects a necessary shift towards ensuring that elected officials uphold the trust bestowed upon them by the public. However, it is crucial to balance this with constitutional safeguards to prevent misuse of power.
NationPress
20/08/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main purpose of the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill?
The bill aims to automatically remove elected officials from their positions if they are detained for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges, thus promoting accountability in governance.
Who will be responsible for the removal of officials under this bill?
The President will remove the Prime Minister, while the Governor and Lieutenant-Governor will remove Chief Ministers from their respective regions.
What happens if no resignation is submitted within 31 days?
If no resignation or advice for removal is offered by the 31st day, the official's position will automatically become vacant on the 32nd day.
What other bills were introduced alongside the Constitution Amendment Bill?
Along with the Constitution Amendment Bill, two other bills were introduced: the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
What was the reaction from the Opposition regarding these bills?
Opposition members expressed dissent, insisting on discussions about the Special Intensive Revision of voter rolls in Bihar and criticizing the introduction of these bills.
