Context
The Law Commission will brief the Parliamentary Committee on Personnel, Law and Justice regarding the feasibility of simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
A detailed opinion has already been submitted to the committee, indicating that simultaneous polls do not require state ratification, as the proposed amendments fall under the Union’s legislative domain.
Key Highlights
🔹 Legislative Framework & Constitutional Status
- The draft Constitution Amendment Bill proposes legal provisions to conduct simultaneous polls.
- Law Commission states the Bill:
- Does not alter the basic structure of the Constitution.
- Falls within Parliament’s power to legislate.
- Does not require ratification by 50% of State legislatures.
🔹 Briefing to Parliamentary Panel
- A fresh document has been submitted to the committee.
- To be presented by:
- Law Commission Chairperson Justice Ritu Raj Awasthi
- Member Justice Ajay Nath Raina
- Secretary Kishore Shasha Sinha
- Panel to focus on key legal aspects of synchronising election cycles.
🔹 Ongoing Parliamentary Scrutiny
- The House panel continues to examine multiple Bills linked to simultaneous polls.
- Discussions revolve around:
- Feasibility
- Logistical requirements
- Impact on federal structure
Relevant Prelims Points
Simultaneous Elections – Concept
- Holding elections to Lok Sabha + State Assemblies at the same time.
- Previously practiced until 1967, but diverged due to premature dissolutions.
Constitutional Provisions
- Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, related to tenure and dissolution of legislature.
- Amendment procedures: Article 368
- Some amendments need state ratification; Law Commission says this proposal does not.
Law Commission
- A statutory body (not constitutional), set up for legal reforms.
- Current Commission: 22nd Law Commission.
Relevant Mains Points
Arguments in Favour
- Reduces governance disruption due to Model Code of Conduct (MCC).
- Cuts election expenditure.
- Enhances policy continuity.
- Strengthens national development agendas.
Arguments Against
- May weaken federalism.
- Difficult to synchronise assemblies ending prematurely.
- High logistical, security, and EVM–VVPAT needs.
Ethical/Administrative Considerations
- Voter behaviour impact.
- Accountability concerns.
- Risk of centralising political power.
Way Forward
- Phased implementation.
- Constitutional safeguards for state autonomy.
- Mechanisms for mid-term government collapse.