Three contentious bills aimed at legislating the removal of a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or other ministers upon arrest for serious criminal charges have been tabled in the parliament, amid significant opposition and parliamentary disruptions. The proposed legislation stipulates automatic disqualification for leaders detained for 30 consecutive days, with no conviction required for their ouster.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the bills – the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2025 – in the Lok Sabha. Subsequently, the Rajya Sabha approved a motion to refer them to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for detailed scrutiny.
This committee, comprising members from both Houses, including the opposition, is expected to submit its report during the Winter Session in November. Opposition parties vehemently criticised the bills, labelling them an attempt to undermine India's federal structure and weaponise investigative agencies against non-BJP governments. AIMIM MP Asaduddin Owaisi likened the proposals to Nazi Germany's Gestapo, fearing the country's transformation into a police state. In response, Amit Shah defended the move on moral grounds, citing his own past resignation before arrest and arguing against elected officials clinging to power while facing serious charges. The parliamentary proceedings were marked by frequent disruptions, with the Deputy Chairman expressing disappointment over the House's low productivity.