Context:
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The Union Law Ministry defended the proposal for simultaneous elections before a Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC), asserting that the framework is constitutionally valid and does not violate the basic structure doctrine.
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The proposal aims to synchronise elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies to improve governance efficiency and reduce electoral costs.
Key Highlights:
Government’s Constitutional Justification
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The Ministry argued that Articles 83(2) and 172(1) of the Constitution explicitly permit premature dissolution of the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies, allowing flexibility in legislative tenure.
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Synchronisation through curtailment or extension of terms, where necessary, is therefore constitutionally permissible.
Precedents Cited
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Reference was made to the 42nd and 44th Constitutional Amendments, which altered the tenure of legislatures, establishing precedent for modifying legislative terms through constitutional processes.
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The Ministry invoked the Kesavananda Bharati judgment, asserting that the proposal does not damage the core features of the Constitution.
Federalism and Separation of Powers
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The Ministry maintained that the proposal does not infringe federalism, as States already operate within a constitutional framework that allows dissolution.
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It clarified that the autonomy of the Election Commission of India (ECI) under Article 324 remains intact.
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The Representation of the People Act, 1951 already empowers the ECI to schedule elections, and the proposal does not excessively expand this authority.
Role of the Joint Parliamentary Committee
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The JPC, chaired by P.P. Chaudhary, is examining Bills related to simultaneous elections and assessing their constitutional and practical implications.
Governance Rationale
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Simultaneous elections are projected to:
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Reduce frequent electoral disruptions
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Lower public expenditure on elections
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Enable governments to focus on policy continuity and development
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Relevant Prelims Points:
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Issue: Feasibility and constitutionality of simultaneous elections.
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Causes: High electoral costs, governance disruptions due to frequent polls.
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Constitutional Provisions:
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Article 83(2) – Duration of Lok Sabha
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Article 172(1) – Duration of State Assemblies
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Article 324 – Powers of Election Commission
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Benefits: Reduced expenditure, administrative efficiency, policy stability.
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Challenges: Political consensus, alignment of electoral cycles, federal sensitivities.
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Impact: Significant implications for India’s electoral and governance framework.
Relevant Mains Points:
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Key Concepts:
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Simultaneous Elections
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Basic Structure Doctrine
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Federalism
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Judicial Dimension:
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Kesavananda Bharati case – limits on constitutional amendments
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Polity Dimension (GS II):
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Balance between constitutional flexibility and federal autonomy
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Governance Perspective:
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Election reforms aimed at efficiency without undermining democracy
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Way Forward:
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Broad-based political consensus
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Clear constitutional amendments, if required
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Phased implementation with safeguards for federal principles
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UPSC Relevance (GS-wise):
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GS II: Polity, Constitution, Electoral reforms, Federalism
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Prelims: Constitutional articles, basic structure doctrine, election-related concepts