JPC Seeks Public Input on Bills to Bar Criminally-Charged Ministers

A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is inviting written memoranda from the public and stakeholders on three significant bills. The most notable is the 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill, which seeks to remove Ministers, Prime Ministers, and Chief Ministers facing serious criminal charges. The committee, chaired by BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi, will treat all submissions as confidential official records. The bills were introduced in the Lok Sabha in August 2025 and referred to the JPC for detailed examination.

Key Points: JPC Invites Public Suggestions on Key Constitutional Amendment Bills

  • Public input invited on three key bills
  • 130th Amendment Bill targets criminally-charged ministers
  • Committee chaired by BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi
  • Submissions are confidential and part of official record
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JPC invites public suggestions on three key bills, including 130th Amendment Bill

Joint Parliamentary Committee seeks public and stakeholder input on three bills, including one to disqualify ministers facing serious criminal charges.

"Those interested in submitting memoranda or suggestions may send two copies... within 15 days - Lok Sabha Secretariat"

New Delhi, January 10

The Joint Parliamentary Committee constituted to examine three bills, including the Constitution Bill, 2025, has invited memoranda from the public and stakeholders containing views and suggestions.

The memoranda have also been invited on the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025.

The Committee, chaired by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Aparajita Sarangi, has called for written submissions from the public in general and from NGOs, experts, stakeholders and institutions in particular.

"Those interested in submitting memoranda or suggestions may send two copies, in English or Hindi, to the Additional Secretary (DR), Lok Sabha Secretariat, Room No. 018, Parliament House Annexe, New Delhi-110001, within 15 days of the advertisement's publication. Submissions may also be sent via email at jcca-utbcell@lss.sansad.in. The contact numbers provided are 23035743 and 23034335," Lok Sabha Secretariat said in a statement.

The Committee stated that all memoranda and suggestions received would form part of its official records and would be treated as "confidential", with the same privileges as the Committee.

"Individuals or organisations wishing to appear before the Committee, in addition to submitting written memoranda, have been asked to indicate their willingness specifically. However, the final decision regarding appearances will rest with the Committee," the statement read.

The 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill aims to remove Ministers, including Prime Ministers and Chief Ministers, who face serious criminal charges carrying imprisonment of 5+ years and detention for 30+ days.

Earlier, the committee had invited the Law Commission of India and the VCs of the National Law University, Delhi, and NALSAR University, Hyderabad, to present their views.

On December 7, the JPC held its second meeting and conducted comprehensive deliberations on the bill's provisions. The MHA and Law Ministry presented standpoints; MPs raised 25 observations. Key demands: evidence-based justification for bills and international precedents.

The MHA got 4 weeks to respond.

Three Bills, namely, the Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill, 2025, the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025, were introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 20 and have been referred to a Joint Committee of both Houses.

A 31-member Parliamentary Joint Committee, headed by Aparajita Sarangi, was constituted on November 12, 2025, to review three Bills seeking to remove Ministers of the Union and State governments, including the Prime Minister and Chief Ministers, who face serious criminal charges.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who follows Indian politics closely, I appreciate the JPC inviting public input. However, the 15-day window feels quite short for such complex bills, especially the ones concerning Jammu & Kashmir. Will ordinary citizens really have time to formulate detailed memoranda?
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Ananya R
Finally! A bill that targets the criminalization of politics. But the devil is in the details. What constitutes "serious criminal charges"? The definition must be watertight to prevent misuse. I will definitely try to send my suggestions via email. Jai Hind!
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Vikram M
Good initiative, but the process seems Delhi-centric. They should have regional offices or online portals in local languages for suggestions. Not everyone is comfortable with English or Hindi, or can navigate sending physical copies to Parliament House.
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Karthik V
The bills on Union Territories and J&K reorganisation are equally important. Hope the committee gets balanced views from stakeholders in those regions, not just legal experts from Delhi and Hyderabad. Grassroots voices matter.
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Priya S
While the intent is noble, I worry about the implementation. Who will decide the seriousness of charges? The opposition will cry political vendetta. We need a foolproof, independent mechanism. Still, a step in the right direction. 🙏

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