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Ex-CJIs Back ‘One Nation, One Election’ but Flag Gaps in Amendment Bill

India’s top jurists warn the amendment grants unchecked Election Commission authority, sidelining smaller parties without new campaign finance curbs.

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Overview

  • All three former chief justices have affirmed that synchronising national and state polls does not breach the basic structure of India’s Constitution.
  • They cautioned that the amendment grants the Election Commission broad discretionary powers that lack defined guidelines or checks.
  • D Y Chandrachud and J S Kehar will appear before the joint committee on July 11 to elaborate on their written opinions.
  • U U Lalit advised a staggered implementation of simultaneous elections to protect full legislative terms and avoid legal challenges.
  • The justices pressed Parliament to tighten campaign finance rules to prevent wealthier parties from dominating synchronized cycles.