One Nation One Election Bills
The Joint Committee of Parliament is examining the One Nation One Election Bills, which propose synchronizing Lok Sabha and State/UT Assembly elections.
Consultation with Former Chief Justices
- Former Chief Justice of India, B R Gavai, along with five other former CJIs, have expressed that the Bills do not violate the basic structure of the Constitution.
- Other former CJIs consulted include U U Lalit, Ranjan Gogoi, J S Khehar, DY Chandrachud, and Sanjeev Khanna.
Constitutionality of the Bills
- Justice Gavai affirmed that the Bills are constitutional and within Parliament's competence to amend under Article 368.
- He stated that the Bills do not violate democracy, federalism, or the basic structure of the Constitution.
- The changes proposed will only affect the election cycle, not the power of the states.
Key Features of the Amendment Bills
- Two Bills introduced by Law Minister Arjun Ram Meghwal on December 17, 2024:
- The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024
- The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024
- The Constitution Amendment Bill proposes a one-time measure to align the terms of all State and UT Assemblies elected after a specific Lok Sabha election with that of the Lok Sabha.
Committee's Progress
The Joint Committee has engaged with various stakeholders, including former Chief Justices, Justices, chief ministers, legal experts, and economists.
