“Power tends to corrupt, and absolute power corrupts absolutely” Politics is the lifeblood of democracy, channeling the will of the people into the hands of elected leaders tasked with shaping a nation’s future. This immense power, rooted in public trust, demands wisdom, integrity, and accountability to flourish. Without accountability, power risks spiraling into chaos, eroding the very foundation of democracy. Central to this balance is the sacred principle that a person is innocent until proven guilty, a cornerstone of justice that ensures fairness even for those in high office. The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 20, 2025, is a bold and laudable step toward reinforcing accountability in Indian politics. By addressing the anomaly of leaders holding office while detained on serious criminal charges, this legislation strengthens constitutional morality and public confidence. With careful refinements to uphold democratic values and the presumption of innocence, it can serve as a beacon of justice, ensuring power remains a force for good.
The 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill proposes amendments to Articles 75, 164, and 239AA, which govern the Union Council of Ministers, State Councils of Ministers, and special provisions for Delhi, respectively. It also extends to Union Territories through changes to the Government of Union Territories Act, 1963, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019. At its core, the Bill mandates that the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, or Ministers detained for 30 consecutive days on charges carrying a minimum sentence of five years must resign by the 31st day or face automatic removal. The President, on the Prime Minister’s advice, removes Union Ministers, while Governors, on the advice of Chief Ministers, handle state-level removals. In Delhi, the Lieutenant Governor holds this authority. This provision aims to prevent leaders facing serious allegations from governing while in custody, addressing a long-standing gap in India’s democratic framework.
The Bill’s introduction marks a historic stride toward cleaner governance. It responds to widespread public concern over the criminalization of politics, where many elected representatives face criminal cases. By establishing a clear threshold automatic removal after 30 days of detention the law holds leaders to a higher ethical standard, reinforcing that power must be wielded responsibly. The government’s rationale, as outlined in the Bill’s Statement of Objects and Reasons, draws from existing rules for public servants, who face suspension after just 48 hours in custody. Applying similar logic to constitutional authorities is a progressive move, signaling that no one, not even the highest officeholders, is above accountability. This aligns with judicial observations in cases like Lily Thomas v. Union of India (2013) and Manoj Narula v. Union of India (2014), which urged action to curb criminal influence in politics.
The Bill also embodies constitutional morality, the principle that governance must uphold justice, transparency, and public trust. By preventing detained leaders from issuing critical orders from jail, it addresses practical governance challenges. Recent instances where state leaders continued to govern while in custody underscored the need for such a reform. The 130th Amendment fills this constitutional void, ensuring that governance remains untainted by the shadow of serious allegations. The inclusion of the Prime Minister’s office under this rule is particularly commendable, setting a powerful precedent that even the highest authority is subject to scrutiny a stark contrast to past eras where power was tightly guarded.
The Bill’s procedural journey reflects the strength of India’s democratic process. Introduced on the final day of the Monsoon Session, it sparked robust debate, showcasing the vibrancy of parliamentary discourse. Its referral to a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) is a positive step, fostering broader consultation and refinement. This ensures that diverse perspectives, including those from opposition parties, shape the law, making it a product of consensus rather than unilateral action. The requirement of a two-thirds majority under Article 368 for constitutional amendments further ensures that the Bill will only pass with widespread support, enhancing its legitimacy.
Yet, the Bill must carefully uphold the principle that a person is innocent until proven guilty. This tenet, affirmed by landmark judgments like Maneka Gandhi v. Union of India (1978) and State of Rajasthan v. Balchand (1977), protects against punishment without a fair trial. The Bill’s focus on detention rather than conviction, while aimed at addressing immediate governance concerns, could be perceived as preemptively punitive. Prolonged detentions due to slow judicial processes risk unjust removals, potentially undermining the presumption of innocence. However, this challenge does not detract from the Bill’s noble intent; it calls for safeguards to balance accountability with fairness.
To strengthen the 130th Amendment, three key measures are recommended. First, establish an independent judicial panel to review detentions before removal, ensuring arrests are legitimate and protecting the presumption of innocence. Second, create fast-track courts to expedite trials for constitutional officeholders, ensuring swift justice while respecting that a person is innocent until proven guilty. Third, launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the law’s purpose, reinforcing trust in the democratic process.
The 130th Constitutional Amendment Bill is a visionary leap toward a more accountable political system. It tackles a critical issue that has long undermined public trust, ensuring that those entrusted with power remain answerable to the people. By aligning with the principle that a person is innocent until proven guilty and incorporating thoughtful safeguards, this law can become a cornerstone of India’s democratic progress. It promises a cleaner, more transparent polity where power is exercised with responsibility and justice prevails. As it moves through the JPC and Parliament, the Bill has the potential to set a global benchmark for democratic accountability, proving that power, when tempered by responsibility, can truly fulfill the nation’s aspirations.
