Reform in Governance: New Bills Target Arrested Officials

The government is set to propose legislation in Parliament aiming to disqualify key officials, including the prime minister and state ministers, if arrested or detained on serious charges for 30 days. The move comes as no current provisions exist for such removal.

The proposed bills - 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 - seek to fill this legal gap. They stipulate that officials will lose their roles if they do not resign after 30 days of detention.

Home Minister Amit Shah will spearhead the push by proposing a joint parliamentary committee review of the bills. Past cases, like those of former Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, highlight the necessity for these amendments, aiming for transparent governance.

(With inputs from agencies.)