Congress to oppose Bill that could force PM, CMs out of office after 30 days in jail

The Congress party has announced it will strongly oppose a proposed constitutional amendment bill that seeks the automatic removal of the Prime Minister, chief ministers, and ministers if they remain in judicial custody for 30 consecutive days in cases involving serious criminal offences.

The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah in August 2025, provides for the dismissal of such officeholders on the 31st day of custody for offences punishable with imprisonment of more than five years. The Bill has been referred to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), which is expected to adopt its report on July 17, ahead of the Monsoon Session of Parliament starting July 20.

Congress general secretary Jairam Ramesh told PTI that the party would oppose the Bill, describing it as 'dangerous' and part of a 'political vendetta' against opposition parties. Ramesh argued that the Bill is unprecedented and undermines the principle of 'presumed innocent until proven guilty'. He also criticised the functioning of probe agencies under the current government, alleging they have been used for political harassment.

Ramesh expressed confidence that the BJP-led government lacks the two-thirds majority required to pass the constitutional amendment. He referred to an earlier defeat on a delimitation bill in April 2025, when the government secured only 298 votes against the required 352.

The Congress leader also alleged that Home Minister Amit Shah had attempted to engineer splits within opposition parties, citing recent splits in the Trinamool Congress and the Shiv Sena (UBT). Despite these setbacks, Ramesh said opposition unity remains strong.

The JPC, chaired by BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi, has consulted constitutional experts, retired judges, lawyers, government officials, and political leaders as part of its deliberations. The committee is also examining the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill.

The opposition party's announcement comes as the parliamentary panel prepares to finalise its report. The Bill's fate will be determined during the Monsoon Session when the government will need the support of two-thirds of members present and voting to amend the Constitution.