PDT Acharya, Former Secretary of the Lok Sabha, told CNBC-TV18, “It is not possible for this government to get the bill passed in the Lok Sabha.” He explained that the ruling alliance has around 292 members, while the bill requires the support of at least 366 MPs if all are present.
Acharya also questioned the need for such a law, pointing out that sufficient safeguards already exist for elected representatives. He criticised the rushed introduction of the bill, saying it was brought “at the last minute, without any consultation with anyone.” He added that the move is unlikely to corner the opposition on corruption, as people in India are already resigned to corruption in politics and would not see this as a major shift.
Aman Lekhi, Senior Advocate at the Supreme Court, was even more critical. He called the bill “a caricature of what the law should be and an affront to common sense,” adding, “It’s as if someone is playing with crayons. That’s not the way in which legislation, leave alone constitutional amendments, should come.” Lekhi said the proposal is a “populist measure” and “empty rhetoric” aimed at optics rather than real reform.
He argued that the bill is flawed both legally and structurally. By making arrest alone the basis for removal, it undermines the principle of “innocent until proven guilty” and violates constitutional norms of governance and collective responsibility. “Whoever drafted it is doing so in a very childish, immature, amateurish way,” Lekhi said, warning that the legislation would not stand the test of judicial scrutiny.
The comments come at the close of a stormy monsoon session of Parliament, which was adjourned sine die after disruptions, adjournments, and protests.
Watch accompanying video for entire discussion.
