The introduction sparked dramatic protests in the House, with Opposition MPs tearing up copies of the Bills and storming towards Shah’s seat while shouting slogans. Despite the uproar, the Bills were referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee, comprising 21 Lok Sabha and 10 Rajya Sabha members, tasked with submitting a report by the first week of the next Parliament session in November.
What do the Bills propose?
Under the new provisions, any minister or head of government—including the Prime Minister, a Chief Minister, or a Cabinet Minister—would be automatically removed from office if:
- They are accused of an offence punishable by five years or more of imprisonment.
- They are arrested and detained for 30 continuous days.On the 31st day of custody, the minister would be deemed to have ceased to hold office.
The three Bills introduced
The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025
Seeks to amend the Constitution to provide for the removal of ministers, including the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers, across both central and state governments under the conditions above.
Key Provisions:
For Union Ministers:
- Removed by the President, on the Prime Minister’s recommendation, on or before the 31st day of detention.
- If no recommendation is made by then, the minister is automatically removed.
For state ministers:
Removed by the Governor, based on the Chief Minister’s advice.
For Delhi ministers:
Removed by the President, based on the Chief Minister’s advice.
For the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers:
Must resign by the 31st day of custody or cease to hold office automatically thereafter.
Re-appointment:
There is no bar on re-appointment after release from custody.
The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025
This Bill proposes similar provisions for Jammu and Kashmir, amending the J&K Reorganisation Act, 2019.
Key Provisions:
Ministers in J&K:
Removed by the Lieutenant Governor, on the Chief Minister’s advice.
J&K Chief Minister:
Must resign by the 31st day of custody or will be automatically removed.
The Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Seeks to amend the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, which governs Puducherry.
Key Provisions:
Ministers in Puducherry:
Removed by the President, on the Chief Minister’s advice.
Chief Minister of Puducherry:
Must resign by the 31st day or be automatically removed.
The government argued that the measures are meant to uphold moral standards in public office and prevent individuals facing serious criminal charges from holding positions of power. Opposition leaders have strongly criticized the Bills, calling them unconstitutional, a violation of federal principles, and an attempt to subvert democratic mandates through executive overreach.
The Joint Parliamentary Committee will now deliberate on the Bills before they return to Parliament for final passage.
