Govt Tables Bills Mandating Removal of PM, CMs, Ministers After 30 Days in Custody

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on Tuesday introduced three landmark bills in Parliament seeking mandatory resignation or removal of the Prime Minister, chief ministers, and ministers at the Centre and in states/UTs if they remain under arrest or detention for 30 consecutive days on charges punishable with imprisonment of five years or more.

The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill stipulates that the Prime Minister must resign by the 31st day of detention; failing which, he or she will automatically cease to hold office. Similar provisions apply to chief ministers under the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025. Ministers in the Union and state councils will also be bound by the rule, with the President or Governor effecting removal on the advice of the PM or CM.

The move addresses a long-standing gap that allowed ministers to continue in office despite prolonged arrests. Shah said such situations undermine “constitutional morality, good governance, and public trust.” The bills are likely to be referred to a parliamentary panel for further scrutiny.