**Title:** PM Modi Rejects Exemption from New Law on Ministerial Arrests
**Meta Description:** Union Minister Kiren Rijiju reveals PM Modi’s decision against exempting the Prime Minister from a new law mandating removal of ministers arrested for 30 days.
**URL Slug:** pm-modi-rejects-exemption-ministerial-arrests
**Headline:** PM Modi Stands Firm Against Exemption in New Ministerial Arrest Law
In a significant move regarding accountability in governance, Union Minister Kiren Rijiju announced on Saturday that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has firmly rejected any proposal to exempt the Prime Minister’s position from a controversial new law. This law stipulates that ministers, including the Prime Minister and chief ministers, will be automatically removed from office if they are arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days.
Rijiju emphasized that PM Modi conveyed to the cabinet that while there was a recommendation to exclude the Prime Minister from this legislation, he did not agree. “The Prime Minister is also a citizen and should not receive special protection,” Rijiju stated, underscoring the principle of equality before the law. He further asserted that the law should apply uniformly to all individuals, irrespective of their political affiliation or position.
The Union Minister highlighted that many chief ministers belong to the ruling party, and if they engage in wrongdoing, they must resign. “Ethics should mean something,” he remarked, suggesting that the opposition would have supported the bill had it prioritized ethical governance.
Rijiju defended the government’s actions amid the uproar in Parliament during the introduction of the bills. He attributed the chaos to the opposition, particularly the Trinamool Congress (TMC), stating that there was a prior agreement to maintain order in the House. However, as soon as the session commenced, TMC MPs disrupted proceedings, leading to a breakdown of decorum.
The recent parliamentary session was marked by significant disorder, particularly on the day before its conclusion, as three draft legislations were introduced by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. These include the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, and the Jammu & Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill. Under the proposed laws, any minister arrested on serious charges for 30 days would automatically lose their position, although they could be reinstated if released.
The government has framed this initiative as a crucial step in the fight against corruption. Shah defended the bills, asserting that it is unacceptable to hold constitutional positions while facing serious charges. However, the opposition has vehemently opposed the measures, labeling them as “draconian” and “unconstitutional,” warning that such provisions could be misused by central agencies to undermine non-BJP governments.
The tumult in Parliament included instances of bills being torn and thrown, leading to their referral to a Joint Parliamentary Committee for further examination.
**FAQ Section:**
**Q: What does the new law entail regarding ministerial arrests?**
A: The new law mandates that any minister, including the Prime Minister or chief ministers, will be automatically removed from office if arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days on serious charges.
