Governemt to amend section 54 of the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019, for providing legal framework for removal of the Chief Minister or a Minister in such cases.
Explanation of the Bill
Bill Name: The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025
Introduced in: Lok Sabha
Purpose: To amend the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation Act, 2019.
The new law will be called The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Act, 2025.
Amendment in Section 54 of 2019 Act
A new provision (sub-section 5A) is added regarding Ministers and Chief Minister of J&K if they are arrested.
If any Minister is arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days on charges punishable with imprisonment of 5 years or more → He/She will be removed from office by the Lieutenant Governor on the advice of the Chief Minister.If the Chief Minister himself is arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days under such charges → He must resign by the 31st day, otherwise, he will automatically cease to hold office.
However, after release from custody, such a person can be reappointed as Chief Minister or Minister.
Statement of Objects & Reasons (Why this Bill?)
Elected representatives must act in public interest and maintain integrity.
Ministers facing serious criminal charges undermine people’s trust and constitutional morality.
Currently, the 2019 Act does not provide a legal way to remove a CM/Minister arrested on serious criminal charges.
This amendment fills that gap by providing a legal framework for removal.