The central government is set to introduce a significant bill in Parliament aimed at bolstering political accountability. The proposed legislation mandates the resignation of the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers of Union Territories if they are arrested or detained in connection with serious criminal cases. According to the bill, a public representative must resign if they are held in custody for 30 consecutive days; failure to do so will result in automatic removal from their position on the 31st day. This new bill seeks to address a gap in existing constitutional provisions, which currently only allow for removal upon conviction. The legislation focuses on crimes carrying a minimum sentence of five years, including severe offenses like murder and large-scale corruption. The bill is one of three major proposals scheduled for parliamentary discussion, along with the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2025. These are expected to be referred to a parliamentary committee for detailed consideration. Home Minister Amit Shah will present the proposal in the Lok Sabha, which will involve amendments to Articles 75, 164, and 239AA of the Constitution, concerning the appointment and responsibilities of ministers at the central, state, and union territory levels.
