The Congress party is likely to stay away from the joint parliamentary committee (JPC) investigating three controversial bills that propose the removal of government officials if they are arrested for 30 consecutive days on serious charges. Party sources revealed this decision on Monday, indicating they will formally inform Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla soon.
In a show of solidarity, at least three other opposition parties—Trinamool Congress, Shiv Sena (UBT), and Aam Aadmi Party—have already announced their decision to abstain from participating in this parliamentary panel. The Samajwadi Party has also signaled its support for a coordinated opposition boycott. While several parties remain undecided, none have shown intent to join the committee.
Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla commented earlier this month, stating that no political party has officially communicated its intention to boycott the JPC.
“On the issue of JPC, no political party has communicated to me in writing on this subject,” Birla informed reporters.
On the final day of the Monsoon Session, Home Minister Amit Shah presented three Bills in the Lok Sabha:
- The Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill
- The Constitution (One Hundred and Thirtieth Amendment) Bill
- The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill
The proposed legislation facilitates the dismissal of the Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, and other ministers from their duties if they face arrest for 30 consecutive days on serious charges.
The introduction of the Bills spurred fierce protests among opposition parties, who branded them as unconstitutional and politically motivated to target opposition leaders across various states.
As for the JPC, it is yet to be constituted despite the House referring the three Bills for further scrutiny. This committee will consist of 21 members from the Lok Sabha and 10 from the Rajya Sabha.
