New Delhi, August 20, 2025:

In a move set to generate significant debate, the government is scheduled to table a bill today that proposes the automatic removal of the Prime Minister, Union ministers, Chief Ministers, and state or Union Territory ministers if they are held in custody for 30 consecutive days. The legislation mandates that any such office-bearer must resign by the 31st day of detention, failing which they would be automatically removed from their post.

The bill, reported by sources close to the government, aims to strengthen accountability and maintain the functional integrity of executive offices in India. According to official drafts, the law would apply uniformly to the Prime Minister, all Union ministers, state Chief Ministers, and their ministerial colleagues, ensuring that prolonged detentions do not disrupt governance or create administrative deadlocks.

Akhilesh Sharma, reporting from New Delhi, explained that the bill is being positioned as a safeguard to prevent situations where ministers or leaders are incapacitated due to legal or investigative processes but continue to hold office. “This proposed legislation ensures that anyone arrested and held for a month consecutively is either formally removed or compelled to resign, preserving the continuity and effectiveness of governance,” Sharma said.

Critics, however, have raised concerns about potential misuse of the law for political gains. Opposition leaders argue that the measure could be used selectively to target political adversaries under the pretext of legal action, thereby destabilizing governments at both central and state levels. They have called for more clarity on the terms of detention and safeguards against arbitrary enforcement.

Proponents of the bill emphasize its importance in maintaining transparency and accountability. Senior government officials argue that long-term detention of high-ranking leaders without clarity on tenure or resignation can compromise administrative decision-making and delay key policy actions. By creating a clear 30-day threshold, the law seeks to balance individual legal processes with public interest and governance continuity.

Legal experts also point out that while the legislation raises constitutional questions regarding separation of powers, it aligns with global precedents in certain countries where prolonged detentions automatically disqualify office-bearers to ensure operational continuity. Parliamentary sources suggest that debates on the bill are expected to be extensive, with parties scrutinizing both the legal framework and political implications.

If passed, the law would mark a significant shift in how India handles the detention of political leaders. It could affect both current and future office-bearers, compelling ministers to navigate legal challenges with the understanding that prolonged custody carries direct consequences for their positions. The government has emphasized that the bill is designed to protect democratic governance rather than target any individual, asserting that it applies impartially across the political spectrum.

As the bill is tabled today, lawmakers and political analysts are closely watching reactions from various parties. The legislation is expected to spark intense debate in Parliament, with discussions likely to focus on legal safeguards, political neutrality, and operational impact on state and central administrations. The coming weeks will be crucial in determining whether this measure becomes a law shaping the accountability framework for India’s highest offices.