JPC Says No Opposition to Decriminalising Politics Bill
Speaking after the meeting, Sarangi said stakeholders backed the intent of the proposed legislation and submitted written suggestions.
New Delhi: The joint parliamentary committee (JPC) examining the Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025 has received support and suggestions from stakeholders, with no opposition to its objective of decriminalising politics, its chairperson and BJP MP Aparajita Sarangi said on Wednesday.
The 30-member panel held a stakeholders’ meeting at the Delhi Secretariat with Chief Minister Rekha Gupta, officials from the law and home departments, the National Human Rights Commission, Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University and NGO Common Cause.
Speaking after the meeting, Sarangi said stakeholders backed the intent of the proposed legislation and submitted written suggestions.
She said the committee has held 11 meetings so far and visited nine states and Union Territories, including Rajasthan, Haryana, Delhi, Chhattisgarh, Telangana and Punjab. According to her, states such as Telangana and Punjab, governed by non-NDA parties, have also supported the spirit of the Bill while suggesting modifications.
“The proposed legislations seek to decriminalise politics, prevent the government being run from jail and strengthen accountability in public life,” Sarangi said.
The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, along with the J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025 and the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, was introduced in the Lok Sabha on August 20, 2025. The committee was constituted in November 2025 to examine the legislation.
A key provision in the Constitution amendment Bill proposes that a Prime Minister, Chief Minister, Union minister or state minister would cease to hold office if arrested for an offence punishable with five years or more and not granted bail within 30 days.
“There have been useful suggestions and recommendations, but no opposition to the objective behind them,” she said.
Delhi Chief Minister Rekha Gupta said the Bill aims to strengthen public trust in holders of public office.
“The proposed Bills represent an important initiative towards reinforcing accountability, transparency and constitutional morality in public life. The suggestions and views received by the committee would play an important role in strengthening democratic institutions and enhancing public confidence in the system of governance,” Gupta said.
