India's government introduced a bill on Wednesday proposing the removal of top politicians from ministerial posts if they are arrested and detained for 30 days for offenses carrying a jail term of five years or more. Opponents condemn the bill as a move to undermine constitutional safeguards and target political rivals.

• Almost half of India's 543 elected national lawmakers have criminal cases against them, with 170 facing serious charges including rape and murder.
• Indian Home Minister Amit Shah introduced the bill, stating the government seeks to "increase the value of ethics."
• Critics, including Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee of West Bengal state, label the bill a "chilling attempt" and a "death knell for democracy," echoing concerns from US think tank Freedom House about the Modi government using institutions against opponents.