Simultaneous Elections: Constitutional Debate

 

Simultaneous Elections: Constitutional Debate

India is once again discussing a major electoral reform — simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies (popularly called One Nation, One Election). Recently, former Chief Justice of India Justice B.R. Gavai shared his views before Parliament’s Joint Committee reviewing the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024. 

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📌 What is the Issue?

Currently, elections in India happen frequently:

• Lok Sabha every 5 years

• State Assemblies at different times

• Panchayat/Municipal polls separately

This leads to:

✔ Repeated Model Code of Conduct (MCC)

✔ Administrative & financial burden

✔ Governance disruptions

The proposed amendment aims to synchronise elections.

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⚖️ Justice B.R. Gavai’s Key Observations

Justice Gavai argued that:

✅ No Violation of Basic Structure

He stated that the Bill only introduces “a change in the manner of elections once.”

• Structure of elections → Same

• Voter rights → Same

• Democratic framework → Intact

👉 Therefore, constitutionally valid.

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✅ Federalism Not Disturbed

India’s federal framework remains untouched because:

• State governments continue functioning independently

• No-confidence motions remain available

👉 Accountability mechanisms survive.

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✅ Within Parliament’s Competence

Parliament has the power to amend election procedures under constitutional provisions.

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🤔 Why is There Disagreement?

Among six former Chief Justices consulted:

❗ Concerns Raised By:

• Justice U.U. Lalit

• Justice Sanjiv Khanna

They questioned whether:

⚠ The Bill may violate the Basic Structure Doctrine

⚠ It could face legal challenges in the Supreme Court

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✔ Supportive Views From:

• Justice Ranjan Gogoi

• Justice D.Y. Chandrachud

• Justice J.S. Khehar

• Justice B.R. Gavai

👉 Their position: No Basic Structure violation

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🧠 UPSC Concept Connection

📚 Basic Structure Doctrine

Originated in:

Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala

✔ Parliament can amend the Constitution

❌ Cannot alter its basic structure

Exam angle:

Does synchronised polling alter democracy/federalism? → Debate continues.

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📚 Federalism

• Division of powers between Union & States

• Regular elections ensure democratic legitimacy

Possible UPSC question:

"Does simultaneous election strengthen or weaken Indian federalism?"

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🗂️ Parliamentary Joint Committee’s Role

Headed by:

P. P. Chaudhary

Function:

✔ Reviews Constitutional Amendment Bill

✔ Consults experts

✔ Suggests modifications

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🗳️ New Suggestion: Common Electoral Roll

Committee members proposed:

✅ Single voter list for:

• Panchayat elections

• Municipal elections

• Assembly elections

• Lok Sabha elections

Why?

✔ Avoid duplication

✔ Reduce workload on teachers/officials

✔ Streamline election management

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🎯 Why This Topic is Important for UPSC 2026

This issue touches multiple GS areas:

Paper	Relevance
GS II	Constitution, Parliament, Elections
GS IV	Ethics in governance (cost vs democracy)
Essay	Electoral reforms / Federalism
Prelims	Basic Structure / Amendments

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📝 Balanced UPSC Takeaway

An ideal UPSC answer should mention:

✔ Arguments in favour

• Cost reduction

• Governance stability

• Reduced MCC disruptions

✔ Arguments against

• Federal autonomy concerns

• Mid-term government collapse complications

• Logistical challenges

✔ Judicial debate

• Divergent views of former CJIs

✔ Neutral conclusion

• Reform requires safeguards