No Office From Jail: The Amendment That Could Change India |
It’s time to move away from the reality of Two Indias: a government employee gets suspended within 48 hours of arrest, but a politician can continue to hold office from jail indefinitely without restrictions. This glaring double standard has long rewarded the powerful while punishing the powerless.
In what is being hailed as one of India’s most significant moves against corruption, the Modi government has introduced the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, aimed at barring tainted politicians from holding office indefinitely despite facing serious criminal charges.
Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the bill in the Lok Sabha on August 20, amid protests led by TMC MP Kalyan Banerjee.
The provisions are clear: if the Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or any minister is arrested or detained for 30 consecutive days in a case carrying a punishment of five years or more, they must step down by the 31st day.........