NEWS – The union government introduced Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025

HIGHLIGHTS

Key Provision

• The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 proposes that:
  • Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, Union and State Ministers will lose their office if arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days.
  • Applicable for offences carrying a minimum jail term of 5 years or more.
  • Removal takes effect on the 31st day of custody.

Reappointment Clause

• The Bill clarifies that there is no bar on the PM, CM, or ministers being reappointed after release.

Rationale Behind the Amendment

• Ministers facing serious criminal charges may undermine constitutional morality and good governance.
• Public representatives must uphold trust, integrity, and constitutional values.
• Aim: To ensure ministers’ character and conduct remain above suspicion.

Constitutional Amendment Details

• Insertion of Article 75(5A):
  • If a minister is detained for 30 days consecutively on charges punishable with five years or more, the President will remove the minister on PM’s advice.
  • If the PM fails to advise, the minister automatically ceases to hold office after the 31st day.

Wider Context

• The move seeks to strengthen accountability and transparency in governance.