India moves to remove PMs, CMs after 30 days detention

The government moved three bills in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday that would create a legal framework for removing a Prime Minister, a chief minister, or a minister in a Union Territory if they are arrested or detained on serious criminal charges for 30 consecutive days. Union Home Minister Amit Shah said the measures would be referred to a joint parliamentary committee for scrutiny, with members from both Houses and an opportunity for opposition and other stakeholders to suggest changes. The proposed amendments cover the Government of Union Territories Amendment Bill 2025, the Constitution One Hundred And Thirtieth Amendment Bill 2025, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Amendment Bill 2025.

The Government of Union Territories Amendment Bill 2025 seeks to insert a provision in the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, to allow the removal of a chief minister or a minister in a UT who is arrested and detained on charges carrying a potential five-year or longer sentence. The Constitution One Hundred And Thirtieth Amendment Bill 2025 would amend Articles 75, 164 and 239AA to provide a constitutional mechanism for the removal of a prime minister or minister in the Union...