The central government is set to introduce a bill in Parliament aimed at strengthening accountability in the political arena. This bill proposes that the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers of Union Territories must resign if they are arrested or detained in connection with serious criminal charges. The legislation dictates that a public representative in custody for 30 consecutive days must resign by the 31st day, or face automatic removal. This bill seeks to overcome current limitations within the Constitution, which primarily allows for removal only upon conviction. The focus is on crimes carrying a minimum sentence of five years. These will encompass severe offenses like murder and significant corruption. This bill is part of a package including the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2025, all slated for parliamentary discussion. A parliamentary committee is likely to review these in detail. Home Minister Amit Shah will introduce the proposal in the Lok Sabha. The bill will include amendments to Articles 75, 164, and 239AA of the Constitution which address the appointment and responsibilities of ministers at the central, state, and union territory levels.
