Chaos in Lok Sabha as MPs hurl torn copies of bills at Home Minister Amit Shah | VIDEO

New Delhi: In a dramatic session of the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Opposition members erupted in protests and tore copies of three bills tabled by Union Home Minister Amit Shah. The bills propose the removal of the prime minister, chief ministers, and ministers who are arrested and detained for 30 consecutive days on serious criminal charges. The Opposition vehemently opposed the bills, raising concerns over constitutional validity and federal principles.

Why did opposition MPs tear copies of the bills?

As soon as Amit Shah introduced the bills, members from parties including AIMIM and Congress trooped into the well of the House, shouting slogans against the legislation. Copies of the bills were ripped apart in a display of strong dissent.

AIMIM’s Asaduddin Owaisi and Congress leaders Manish Tewari and K C Venugopal questioned the bill's implications on democracy and federalism.

Opposition leaders argued that the bills undermine the constitutional principle of “innocent until proven guilty” and risk political misuse. Manish Tewari stated, “This Bill is against the jurisprudence of criminal justice and distorts Parliamentary democracy. The bill opens door for political misuse and throws all constitutional safeguards to the winds.”

NK Premchandran of the RSP criticised the hasty introduction without prior circulation of the bills to MPs, calling it procedurally improper.

How did Amit Shah respond to the opposition’s criticism?

Shah dismissed accusations that the bills were rushed through Parliament without proper procedure. He assured that the legislation would be sent to the Joint Parliamentary Committee, allowing members from both houses, including the Opposition, to suggest amendments. Addressing questions about his own arrest in Gujarat, Shah emphasised his moral stand by resigning before his arrest and returning only after being cleared by the court.

Amid escalating noise and scuffles between BJP and Opposition MPs, the Lok Sabha was adjourned until 5 pm.

What do the bills propose?

The three bills: the Government of Union Territories (Amendment) Bill 2025, the Constitution (One Hundred And Thirtieth Amendment) Bill 2025, and the Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Amendment) Bill 2025, stipulate that if a prime minister, union minister, or chief minister is arrested and held in custody for 30 consecutive days for offenses punishable by at least five years in jail, they will be removed from office on the 31st day.