Amit Shah introduces bold new bills in Parliament — proposing automatic removal of PMs and CMs if jailed for 30 days.
Amit Shah introduces the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill to remove PM, CMs, and ministers if jailed for 30 days. Opposition protests, JPC review begins.
A Turning Point in Indian Politics
Indian politics witnessed high drama on Tuesday as Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced three landmark bills in the Lok Sabha. At the core of this legislative push lies a proposal that could transform the way accountability works for India’s top political leaders.
The bills seek to automatically remove Prime Ministers, Chief Ministers, and ministers from office if they are detained in jail for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges.
The move has ignited support and outrage in equal measure — hailed by some as a bold anti-corruption step and criticized by others as a dangerous tool of political vendetta.
What Do the Bills Say?
The main bill is the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025. It proposes that:
- If the Prime Minister, Union Minister, Chief Minister, or State Minister is detained for 30 days or more, their office becomes vacant automatically.
- This applies to cases where the alleged crime carries a minimum punishment of 5 years or more.
- Such leaders can only return to office after release, provided their party or legislature re-elects them.
Along with this, Shah introduced two supporting bills:
- Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025
These extend the same rules to UTs, including Delhi and Jammu and Kashmir.
Also Read:Lok Sabha Monsoon Session 2025: Chaos, Condolences, and Controversies
Chaos in Parliament
As soon as Amit Shah rose to speak, the Lok Sabha erupted in uproar. Opposition MPs tore copies of the bills and even threw paper at the Home Minister. The House was adjourned several times amid chants and protests.
Shah defended the proposals strongly:
“Governments cannot be run from jail. The people of India deserve clean governance and accountability.”
Despite the heated atmosphere, all three bills were eventually referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for further discussion.
Supporters: A Win for Accountability
Supporters of the bills argue:
- No compromise on governance: If leaders are jailed for serious crimes, they should not continue to wield power.
- Strengthening democracy: The move ensures constitutional morality and prevents “remote-control governments” from jail.
- Public faith: It sends a strong signal that no one is above the law, not even the Prime Minister.
Many BJP MPs hailed it as a historic reform, comparing it to the landmark anti-defection laws of the past.
Opposition: A Weapon Against Rivals
The Opposition, however, sees a darker side.
- Innocent until proven guilty? Critics say the rule punishes leaders even before conviction, violating basic rights.
- Threat to federalism: Central agencies could arrest opposition CMs and force them out of office.
- Political misuse: With arrest powers often seen as politicized, this could destabilize non-BJP governments.
Congress MP Manish Tewari warned it could “destroy the basic structure of the Constitution.” Rahul Gandhi went a step further, calling it a return to “medieval practices of removing rulers at will.”
Why It Matters
This isn’t just another bill. It has far-reaching implications:
- Checks on executive power or unchecked agency overreach — depending on how it’s used.
- It could reshape state politics if CMs face targeted arrests.
- Sets a new precedent on political accountability in India.
In simple words, it could decide whether India moves toward cleaner governance or deeper centralization of power.
What Happens Next?
- The JPC will review the bills, inviting suggestions from experts, legal scholars, and opposition parties.
- If passed in Parliament and ratified by a majority of states, the Constitutional amendment will become law.
- A Supreme Court challenge is almost certain, given the stakes.
Conclusion
Amit Shah’s bills have opened a new chapter in India’s constitutional debate. They promise a cleaner system but also raise the risk of political misuse.
For now, the bills sit with the JPC, but one thing is clear — Indian politics will never be the same again.
