Constitution Amendment Bill: JPC Holds First Meeting Amid Opposition Questions
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The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on the 130th Constitution Amendment Bill convened its inaugural meeting on Thursday, deciding to engage with parties that have boycotted the panel and conduct state visits. The bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 20, aims to remove public officials, including Prime Ministers, who face corruption or serious offense charges and remain in detention for 30 consecutive days. The Opposition has raised questions about the bill's motive, with AIMIM chief Asaduddin Owaisi arguing that the legislation could undermine the rights of lawmakers. According to sources, Owaisi pointed out that a detained minister would lose their position, while a detained lawmaker could continue to serve. He also highlighted the potential for abuse under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, which allows police officers to detain individuals for 30 days. Union Home Minister Amit Shah has defended the bills, stating that they are necessary to prevent public officials from continuing to govern from jail without resigning. The legislation also provides for bail within 30 days of arrest, after which the official would be forced to step down. However, the Opposition remains skeptical about the bill's intentions. The JPC has decided to engage with state leaders and constitutional experts to gather feedback on the bill. The next meeting is scheduled for December 17, when representatives from the Ministries of Home and Law and Justice will brief the committee on the bills under review.
