The motion has not been passed in accordance with the provisions of Article 368 of the Constitution, as it did not secure a majority of the total membership of the House and a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.
The Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill 2026, aimed at implementing women’s reservation from the 2029 general elections, was defeated in the Lok Sabha today after failing to secure the constitutionally mandated majority.
Announcing the outcome, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla said the motion secured 298 votes in favour and 230 against it. Despite a clear majority, the bill fell short of the stringent requirements under Article 368 of the Constitution, which mandates both a majority of the total House strength and a two-thirds majority of members present and voting. The Speaker noted that the motion fell short on these counts. “As the bill has not secured the required majority, further proceedings on this Constitution Amendment Bill are not possible,” Birla said.
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The development marks a significant setback for the proposed amendment, which had been at the centre of intense political debate in recent days.
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Delhi: Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla says, “The result of the division, subject to correction, is as follows: Ayes: 298, Noes: 230. The motion has not been passed in accordance with the provisions of Article 368 of the Constitution, as it did not secure a majority of the total… pic.twitter.com/HkI11FKiaC
— IANS (@ians_india) April 17, 2026
Rijiju criticised the Opposition for not supporting the Bill
Union Minister Kiren Rijiju said that apart from the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, the government has also introduced the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, and the Delimitation Bill, 2026. He noted that all three bills are “intrinsically interrelated” and form part of a broader reform framework. The Minister asserted that the legislation is aimed at strengthening representation and advancing rights, particularly for women. However, he criticised the Opposition for not supporting a bill intended to “give respect and rights to women in the country.”
Delhi: Union Minister Kiren Rijiju says, “Besides the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, we have two other bills, namely the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 and the Delimitation Bill, 2026, which are intrinsically interrelated with the Constitution (131st… pic.twitter.com/QI8H0j0oRz
— IANS (@ians_india) April 17, 2026
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