Parliamentary Panel Requests More Time for Crucial Election Reform Bill
The parliamentary committee examining the landmark constitutional amendment bill that proposes holding simultaneous Lok Sabha and state assembly elections will seek an extension from Parliament, citing the need for additional time to collect comprehensive feedback from various stakeholders.
Chairperson P P Chaudhary confirmed on Friday that the committee requires more time beyond its current deadline, which expires on the first day of the last week of the upcoming Winter Session scheduled between December 1 and December 19.
Constitutional Validity and Stakeholder Consultations
Chaudhary emphasized that opinions from numerous constitutional experts indicate the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, popularly known as the one-nation-one-election (ONOE) bill, does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution. This addresses a key argument raised by opposition parties against the proposed legislation.
The NDA government's strong push for simultaneous elections has received robust endorsement from the Law Commission. According to sources, the commission described the refreshing concept of synchronising elections as being in the larger national interest and firmly within Parliament's amending powers.
In its written submission to the committee, the Law Commission argued that the proposed bill aims to strengthen democracy by ensuring stability, reducing the constant drain of resources from frequent elections, and allowing governments to focus more effectively on governance.
Key Provisions and Expert Concerns
The Law Commission has supported some of the bill's more contentious provisions, particularly those granting sweeping powers to the Election Commission under Article 82A(5). This clause allows the EC to defer an assembly election if it determines that the poll cannot be conducted simultaneously with the Lok Sabha elections.
However, several experts, including some former Chief Justices of India, have raised concerns about the unfettered powers delegated to the Election Commission in the bill. They have suggested corrective measures, including the requirement for parliamentary approval in such cases of deferment.
The Law Commission, in its defense of these provisions, has equated the Election Commission with the judiciary, executive, and legislature in terms of its role in upholding democracy. It pointed to Article 324 of the Constitution, which grants the EC extensive powers and protects it from external influence.
Representatives from both the Law Commission and Election Commission of India are scheduled to appear before the Chaudhary-led committee on December 4 to provide further insights and address committee members' questions.
The committee's decision to seek an extension underscores the complexity and significance of the proposed electoral reform, which could fundamentally change India's political landscape by synchronizing national and state elections.
