Union Government to Present Bill on Ministerial Accountability in J&K Lok Sabha
The Union government is set to introduce the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025 in the Lok Sabha this Wednesday. The proposed legislation aims to create a framework for the removal of the Chief Minister or ministers who face arrest and detention on serious criminal charges.
The bill is expected to be forwarded to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for comprehensive examination. It seeks to amend Section 54 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, addressing a gap in the existing law concerning the removal of ministers implicated in serious criminal allegations.
| Key Provisions |
|---|
| Ministers arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days on charges of offences punishable with imprisonment of five years or more will be removed from office by the Lieutenant Governor on the Chief Minister's advice. |
| If the Chief Minister does not advise removal by the 31st day, the minister will automatically lose their position from that day. |
| The bill provides for the possibility of reappointment once the minister is released from custody, ensuring adherence to due process and rights. |
Sources indicate that the amendment intends to enhance accountability and safeguard constitutional trust. It acknowledges that ministers detained on serious charges could impede governance and diminish public faith in political institutions.
The bill demonstrates the government's commitment to ensuring good governance and constitutional integrity in Jammu and Kashmir, setting a robust legal framework to manage criminal allegations against incumbent ministers.
Upon enactment, this amendment will offer a transparent procedure for the removal of ministers, thereby reinforcing public confidence in the governance of the Union Territory.
