Introduction of Three Bills in Lok Sabha
The Union Home Minister is set to introduce three significant bills in the Lok Sabha on August 20, 2025. These bills are designed to establish a legal framework for the removal of the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers in States and Union Territories if they are arrested and detained on serious criminal charges.
Key Provisions of the Bills
- The bills specify that officials who are detained for 30 consecutive days due to allegations of offenses punishable with imprisonment for five years or more will be removed from office by the 31st day.
- The authority to remove such officials will be held by:
- The President for the Prime Minister and Union Ministers
- The Chief Minister for State Ministers
- The Governor for Chief Ministers
- The Lieutenant-Governor for Chief Ministers in Union Territories
- These officials may be reappointed after their release from custody.
Details of the Bills
- The following bills are slated for passage:
- The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025
- The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025
- The Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Need for Constitutional Amendments
- The absence of provisions for the removal of arrested and detained ministers necessitates amendments to Articles 75, 164, and 239AA of the Constitution.
- The amendments will provide the required legal framework for the removal process in cases of serious criminal charges.
The proposed legislation highlights the importance of maintaining the integrity and credibility of elected officials in India, ensuring that they adhere to principles of good governance and constitutional morality.