Government Initiative: Bills to Ensure Accountability of Political Leaders Facing Criminal Charges

The central government is taking steps to reinforce political accountability with the introduction of new legislation. The bill, to be presented in Parliament on Wednesday, will require the Prime Minister, Union Ministers, Chief Ministers, and Ministers of Union Territories to resign if they are arrested or detained for serious criminal offenses. Under this proposed law, any public representative held in custody for 30 consecutive days will be obligated to resign by the 31st day, or face automatic removal from their office. This legislation seeks to address existing constitutional limitations which only permit removal after a conviction. The bill specifically targets crimes carrying a minimum sentence of five years, including serious charges such as murder and large-scale corruption. The bill is one of three key proposals to be discussed in Parliament, alongside the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2025. These proposals are expected to undergo a detailed review by a parliamentary committee. Home Minister Amit Shah will introduce the proposal in the Lok Sabha. The bill will involve amendments to Articles 75, 164, and 239AA of the Constitution. These articles pertain to the appointment and duties of ministers at the central, state, and union territory levels.