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7h ago

Law Commission Backs 'One Nation, One Election' Bill in JPC Briefing

Expert testimony is set for Dec. 10 then Dec. 17 before any recommendations.

A parliamentary committee is examining the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill. (ANI)
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The law panel argued that the powers proposed to be given to ECI for the purpose of simultaneous election in the proposed bill are a natural extension of its extant powers.

Overview

  • The Law Commission told the parliamentary panel that the amendment does not require ratification by at least half of the state legislatures under Article 368(2).
  • It maintained that synchronising electoral cycles, including curtailed terms to restore alignment, would not violate the Constitution’s basic structure.
  • The Commission argued that expanded Election Commission authority, including recommending deferral of polls to enable joint elections, flows from Article 324 and is not an excessive delegation.
  • The JPC scheduled consultations on Dec. 10 and Dec. 17 to examine constitutional, operational, economic and administrative issues with invitees such as Kapil Sibal and representatives of the Election Commission.
  • Opposition members pressed the panel on federalism, voter choice and the extent of public consultation during the Dec. 4 session, questioning the need and design of the proposal.