The Lok Sabha erupts as Opposition protests the new bill mandating removal of ministers arrested for 30 days, accusing the government of undermining democracy and federalism.
Today, the Lok Sabha saw intense protests as the Opposition tore up copies of three bills introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. These bills propose the removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and other ministers who are arrested and kept in custody for 30 consecutive days on serious charges.
Key Features of the Arrest Bill
- Ministers arrested on offenses punishable with a jail term of five years or more will have to resign if held for 30 consecutive days.
- If the resignation does not occur by the 31st day, the minister will be automatically removed from office.
- The bills apply to the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and ministers of states and Union Territories.
- The legislation aims to promote ethical governance by ensuring that ministers facing serious criminal charges do not hold office.
Opposition’s Strong Rejection and Concerns
Opposition leaders fiercely opposed the bills, calling them:
- Draconian and anti-constitutional
- A threat to federalism and democracy
- A tool for politically motivated arrests to topple opposition governments
Key Opposition voices:
- KC Venugopal (Congress) and Manish Tewari (Congress) condemned the bill as an attack on democratic principles.
- Priyanka Gandhi Vadra described the bill as a “veil” that hides the government’s real intention to suppress opposition.
- Asaduddin Owaisi (AIMIM) warned the government is trying to turn India into a “police state.”
- Abhishek Banerjee (Trinamool Congress) accused the ruling party of seeking unchecked power.
Amit Shah’s Response to Opposition
Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the bill, stating:
- Ministers should not continue in office while facing serious criminal charges.
- The government has followed proper procedure by referring the bills to a Joint Parliamentary Committee.
- Opposition members will have a chance to present objections before the committee.
- The bill aims to strengthen ethics and accountability in governance.
What Happens Next?
- The bills have been referred to a 31-member Joint Parliamentary Committee.
- The committee will review the bills and present its report in the next parliamentary session.
- The government hopes to pass the bill with bipartisan support after the review.
Why This Bill Matters
- Ensures ministers facing serious criminal charges cannot hold office indefinitely.
- Promotes transparency and integrity in politics.
- Prevents misuse of power by officials under legal scrutiny.
- Protects democratic values by maintaining accountability.
The introduction of the arrest bill has sparked fierce debate in Parliament. While the government argues it promotes morality and probity, the Opposition fears misuse and erosion of constitutional rights. The Joint Parliamentary Committee’s review will be crucial in deciding the bill’s future.
Also Read : “I Resigned Before Arrest”: Amit Shah’s Reply to Congress on Morality
