One nation, one election: On July 11, an important meeting of the Joint Committee of Parliament was held in Parliament House for the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill and Union Territory of State Law (Amendment) Bill 2024. The meeting was attended by former Chief Justice of India DY Chandrachud and Justice JS Khehar and expressed their opinion.
Both former Chief Justices suggested to the committee that the Election Commission of India should not be given completely unlimited rights to implement the ‘one country, one election’ system. He argued that in such a situation it is necessary to have an effective monitoring mechanism to ensure democratic balance and accountability on the Election Commission.
Former CJI Ranjan Gogoi also raised questions
Earlier, former CJI Ranjan Gogoi has also questioned the comprehensive powers given to the Election Commission before the committee. However, they did not directly protest against the validity of elections. But some aspects of the proposed amendment bill were insisted on the need for amendment.
Unreasonable to reduce the term of elected government
One of the former judges said that the five -year tenure of the elected government is necessary for democratic stability and good governance. It should not be shortened under any circumstances. JPC is chaired by BJP MP PP Chaudhary. The committee is consulting legal experts and constitutionalists on the proposal to hold Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections together across the country.
If needed, there will be amendment: PP Chaudhary
Reacting to the recommendations of the former judges, PP Chaudhary said, if the committee feels that the bill needs to be improved, it will definitely be amended. We will only submit our report to Parliament with appropriate changes in the national interest. He also said that the concept of ‘one country, one election’ is important in terms of nation building. The constitutional validity of this system should be maintained for a long time so that this system can remain stable for hundreds of years.
