Home Minister Amit Shah has proposed the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) regarding the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill in both the Rajya Sabha and Lok Sabha during the Parliament's monsoon session.
New Delhi: During the Parliament's monsoon session, Home Minister Amit Shah proposed the formation of a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) regarding the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill. This bill is considered controversial due to significant provisions related to the positions of Prime Minister, Chief Minister, and Ministers. However, the list of members for the JPC has not yet been released by either the Rajya Sabha or Lok Sabha.
Meanwhile, Samajwadi Party (SP) MP from Faizabad, Uttar Pradesh, Awadhesh Prasad, reacted to the bill and indicated that the SP might not participate in the JPC proceedings.
SP MP said in a statement...
Awadhesh Prasad stated that the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill is completely undemocratic and unconstitutional. He argues that it encroaches upon the jurisdiction of the judiciary. He further mentioned that the bill stipulates that if a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or any minister is detained for 30 days, their position will automatically be terminated. The MP clarified that the decision regarding this bill will be made by SP National President Akhilesh Yadav. He said, "Our National President will always make decisions in the interest of the constitution and the nation."
The SP MP also alleged that the bill was presented hastily, which could disrupt the balance between the judiciary and the administrative system. He stated that this bill is like giving the power of the judiciary into the hands of a sub-inspector, where any officer can detain someone, and the provision of losing their position will be implemented.
Home Minister Amit Shah's Clarification
Amidst this controversy, Union Home Minister Amit Shah defended the bill in Parliament. He stated that this bill does not only raise questions for the opposition but also applies equally to NDA Chief Ministers and the Prime Minister. Amit Shah said, "Today, the number of NDA Chief Ministers in the country is higher, and the Prime Minister is also from the NDA. This bill has a provision for 30 days of bail. If a person is in jail and does not get bail, then they will have to leave their position. Can a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, or Minister who is in jail run their government? Is this appropriate for democracy?"
The Home Minister also said that the bill does not interfere with the rights of the High Court and Supreme Court but only ensures that if a high official is legally detained and does not get bail, then remaining in the position will not be in accordance with the constitution and the law.
