Parliamentary Panel Seeks Global Precedents for Removal Bills

A parliamentary panel led by BJP's Aparajita Sarangi deliberates on Bills for the removal of prime ministers and chief ministers, seeking evidence-based justifications. The meeting discussed decriminalization of politics and considered consulting experts. Opposition concerns focus on the potential violation of the presumption of innocence.

A parliamentary panel, chaired by BJP member Aparajita Sarangi, is scrutinizing proposed Bills aimed at facilitating the removal of prime ministers and chief ministers. The committee has requested evidence-based justifications for such legislation and is exploring whether similar laws exist globally.

The Joint Committee on The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, alongside other legislative amendments, will also engage with constitutional experts, retired judges, and bar association members to gain comprehensive insights. Sarangi emphasized the unanimous desire within the committee for decriminalization of politics.

Opposition parties have expressed reservations, arguing that automatic removal of elected representatives without a conviction violates the presumption of innocence. Members from the Ministry of Home Affairs are expected to respond to these concerns in the next meeting scheduled for January 7.

(With inputs from agencies.)