"Encroachment on our judiciary": Samajwadi Party MP Awadhesh Prasad slams 130th Amendment as unconstitutional

Speaking to ANI, Prasad said, "This Bill is completely undemocratic, unconstitutional. It is an encroachment on our judiciary"

Regarding the party's participation in the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), he said "Our national president will decide in the interest of the Constitution and the nation."

The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 proposes the automatic removal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Ministers if they are arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days on charges punishable by five years or more imprisonment.

The bill has been referred to a JPC for detailed scrutiny, comprising 31 members from both houses of Parliament. The committee will examine the bill and provide recommendations before it is put to vote.

In an interview with ANI, Union Home Minister Amit Shah has expressed confidence that the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, will be passed, despite the opposition's fierce criticism.

Amit Shah defended the bill, stating it's aimed at upholding "constitutional morality" and public trust, emphasising that the bill would apply equally to all leaders, including those from the ruling party.

"I am sure it will be passed. There will be many people in the Congress party and in the opposition who will support morality and maintain the moral ground...," he said.

"The Prime Minister himself has included the post of PM in this... Earlier, Indira Gandhi had brought the 39th amendment (of protecting the President, VP, PM, and Speaker from judicial review by Indian courts). Narendra Modi ji has brought a constitutional amendment against himself that if the Prime Minister goes to jail, he will have to resign...," said Shah on the 130th Amendment Bill.

Shah introduced the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, which aims to remove the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and Ministers from office if they are arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days on charges punishable with imprisonment of five years or more. (ANI)