Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to present a crucial bill in Parliament today that seeks to amend the Representation of the People Act, 1951. If passed, this legislation would mark a major shift in India’s political framework, as it lays out provisions to remove a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or any cabinet minister from office under specific conditions.
According to the proposed bill, any public representative including the Prime Minister or a Chief Minister, will automatically lose their position if they spend 30 consecutive days in jail on corruption charges or fraud allegations. The same rule applies if they are sentenced to five years or more in prison.
This bill, if approved, would provide a clear legal mechanism to strip leaders of power while they are in custody, without the need for prolonged legal battles. However, one notable clause allows such individuals to be reappointed to the same position once they are released from jail.
The timing of the bill has also attracted attention, as it is being introduced just two days before the monsoon session ends. Given that several chief ministers in the past have faced arrest or remand while still in office, this legislation could have far-reaching consequences for India’s political system.
Related