Union Home Minister Amit Shah is set to introduce three significant bills in Parliament on Wednesday, August 20, 2025, aimed at addressing the issue of "tainted" ministers in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K). These bills, namely the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025, The Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2025, and The Constitution (130th Amendment) Bill, 2025, are expected to bring about changes in the administration and governance of the Union Territory.
The J&K Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill, 2025, introduces a new clause that will allow for the removal of a minister in J&K if they are arrested or detained for 30 consecutive days for an offense punishable by five years or more. This removal can be executed by the lieutenant-general or on the advice of the chief minister. This bill stipulates that an elected chief minister can also be removed from office under the same conditions, even without a conviction. If passed, the amendment would grant the Union government additional powers to remove a chief minister or any member of their cabinet.
These legislative moves are generating considerable discussion and debate, especially concerning the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir. It was on August 5, 2019, that Jammu and Kashmir's statehood was annulled after Article 370 was abrogated. The erstwhile state was then bifurcated into two Union Territories: J&K and Ladakh.
The introduction of these bills also comes against the backdrop of recent observations made by the Supreme Court. The Supreme Court, while hearing a petition related to the restoration of statehood to Jammu and Kashmir, acknowledged the prevailing situation in the region. The court noted that the ground situation must be considered when restoring statehood, emphasizing that events such as the terrorist attack in Pahalgam cannot be ignored.
Union Home Minister Amit Shah has formally notified the Lok Sabha Secretariat of his intention to move these bills during the ongoing monsoon session of Parliament. Shah has also requested a relaxation of certain procedural rules, citing the limited time available in the current session, which is scheduled to conclude on August 21. Specifically, he has sought leniency in the application of Rule 19(A) and 19(B) of the Lok Sabha procedures, which mandate advance notice and circulation of bills to members before introduction.
These bills have the potential to significantly alter the political landscape and administrative structure of Jammu and Kashmir. The proposed amendments aim to address concerns related to governance and accountability, particularly concerning ministers facing serious criminal charges. However, they also raise questions about the balance of power between the Union government and the elected representatives of the Union Territory. The debates and discussions surrounding these bills in Parliament are expected to be intense, with various political parties likely to express their viewpoints on the state of the Union Territory and the implications of these legislative measures.
