Union Home Minister Amit Shah Defends Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 Against Opposition Claims

Strategic Insights -

As the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, which seeks to remove Prime Ministers, chief ministers, or ministers facing corruption or serious offense charges if they remain in detention for 30 consecutive days, continues to face opposition, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has defended the bill, saying it is not driven by political vendetta. Shah claimed that the opposition is disruptsing Parliament and disregarding procedure, which does not befit a democracy. He emphasized that the bill applies to all equally, and those accused of serious crimes can go to court and file a public interest litigation (PIL) to challenge the charges.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, aims to remove Prime Ministers, chief ministers, or ministers facing corruption or serious offense charges if they remain in detention for 30 consecutive days.
  • Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the bill, saying it is not driven by political vendetta, and the opposition is disrupting Parliament and disregarding procedure.
  • Shah claimed that the bill applies to all equally, and those accused of serious crimes can go to court and file a public interest litigation (PIL) to challenge the charges.
  • He cited examples of leaders such as LK Advani, BS Yediyurappa, Eshwarappa, George Fernandes, and Hemant Soren resigning on moral grounds, including his own example of resigning the day after the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) issued summons to him.
  • Shah also criticized the Congress party and its leader Rahul Gandhi for their stance on the bill, pointing out the party's previous stance on a similar issue under the United Progressive Alliance (UPA) government.
  • He spoke on the upcoming VP election, defending his allegation against the UPA candidate Justice Sudarshan Reddy and the 2011 judgement outlawing the Salwa Judum in Chhattisgarh.
  • Shah clarified that the decision to have the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) take over Parliament security was taken after the 2023 breach and is under the purview of the Speaker.

Statistics:

  • 30 consecutive days: the time period after which a Prime Minister, chief minister, or minister facing corruption or serious offense charges will be automatically removed from their position under the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025.
  • 2/3rd majority: the requirement for a constitutional amendment to be passed in both houses of Parliament.
  • 4 years: the time period for which Satyendar Jain has been in jail pending trial on corruption charges.
  • 5 years: the minimum jail term required for a crime to be considered a "serious crime" under the bill.
  • 2 years: the maximum jail term required for a crime to result in an elected representative being relieved of their position under the People's Representation Act.

Sources:

  • ANI (Aam Aadmi Party's news agency)
  • Hindustan Times (newspaper)
  • Parliament of India (official website)
  • Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI)
  • Supreme Court of India (official website)