India panel on minister removal bill defers report amid dissent

A joint parliamentary committee in India has postponed its decision on a bill that would mandate the automatic removal of ministers, chief ministers, and prime ministers if they are arrested for more than 30 days. The committee, tasked with reviewing the draft report, decided not to adopt it weeks after circulating the initial version to members.

This unusual step follows internal disagreements among committee members and comes as the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been engaging with some opposition parties to seek support for the constitution amendment bill. The bill previously failed to secure the required two-thirds majority earlier this year. The deferral means the bill is unlikely to be presented during the monsoon session, which is scheduled to begin on July 20.

Committee chairperson Aparajita Sarangi stated that the proposals require further discussion. She noted that while five parties submitted suggestions, they declined to join the consensus. Sarangi emphasized the government's desire to include all parties and mentioned ongoing discussions with major opposition groups. She acknowledged broad agreement on the bill's far-reaching implications and the government's positive intent, but highlighted the need for more deliberation.

Disagreements were evident during the meeting, with opposition leaders Asaduddin Owaisi and Supriya Sule submitting dissent notes, leading to arguments. Some members reportedly suggested deferring the report's adoption, citing the need for more discussions. The committee had considered recommending a sunset clause for ministers' reappointment if prosecution failed within a set period and suggested "suspension" instead of "removal" to add safeguards.

“

We are keeping it pending as of now. We wrote two letters, to all 27 political parties, one on 13 May 2026 and another on 30 June 2026. Five parties sent their suggestions, but declined to join in. The government wanted to take everyone along. We held discussions with members from other parties, and there was broad agreement that the bill would have far-reaching implications for the country. Everyone acknowledged that the government’s intent was right, but felt the proposal required further discussion and consideration. Discussions with the major opposition parties are also continuing.