In a move seen as both tactical and expected, the BJP-led NDA government has sent three controversial bills aimed at disqualifying the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and ministers in states and Union Territories if under arrest for more than 30 days to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) for review.
The proposed laws would apply even in cases where charges carry a minimum sentence of five years, without requiring a proven conviction. This provision drew sharp protests from Opposition MPs in the Lok Sabha, who denounced the bills as a direct violation of the Constitution.
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When Union Home Minister Amit Shah presented the bills, Opposition benches erupted, forcing the government to announce that the legislation would move to a JPC. Shah defended the move, insisting that the bills are designed to curb criminalisation in politics, while stressing that members from both Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha including the Opposition will be part of the committee to suggest changes.
The three bills under scrutiny are: The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, The Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025.
Once constituted, the JPC can seek expert opinions, consult civic bodies, or hear from any stakeholder it deems relevant. While its recommendations are advisory and not binding on the government, the process will allow broader scrutiny and debate.
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Another major subject already before a JPC is the NDA government’s flagship ‘One Nation, One Election’ proposal to synchronise Lok Sabha and Assembly polls across the country.