Centre to table bill allowing removal of PM, CMs if jailed for a month

NEW DELHI: The Centre is set to introduce a bill in Parliament that enables the removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, or Union Territory Ministers if they are jailed for a month in connection with offences carrying a punishment of five years or more. Union Home Minister Amit Shah will present the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill along with related legislations in the Lok Sabha today.

As per the proposed law, a Chief Minister or Minister who remains in custody can be removed from office on the 31st day by the President, acting on the advice of the Prime Minister. The rule will apply even if the person has not been convicted.

If the Prime Minister is arrested under similar circumstances, he will be required to step down on the 31st day. Failure to resign will make him ineligible to hold office from the following day.