Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025: Ensuring Accountability of Ministers in Custody
Introduction The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduced in the Lok Sabha (Bill No. 111 of 2025), seeks to address a significant constitutional vacuum. At present, there is no explicit provision in the Indian Constitution for the removal of a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister who is arrested and detained in custody on serious criminal charges. This Bill aims to set a framework to safeguard constitutional morality, public trust, and good governance . Key Amendments Proposed 1. Amendment to Article 75 (Union Ministers) A Union Minister, including the Prime Minister, who is arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days on charges punishable with imprisonment of five years or more , shall be removed from office . The President shall act on the advice of the Prime Minister. If the Prime Minister himself is in custody, he must resign within 31 days . If not, he will automatically cease to hold office. 2. Amendment to Article 164...