NEW DELHI: Former judges and constitutional experts are divided over the proposal to hold concurrent elections to state assemblies and Parliament, with one section saying it aligns with constitutional principles while the other warn of potential threats to democracy.
The Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, proposes simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies. If any assembly is dissolved during this period, mid-term polls would be held only for the remaining term.
"The objective of holding simultaneous elections seems to be correct. Personally, there is nothing wrong with it," former Supreme Court judge Ajay Rastogi said. Referring to India's electoral history, he pointed out that simultaneous polls were the norm in the decades after Independence.
"This will give more time for governments to focus on development, infrastructure and welfare activities that can take the country forward."
He addressed concerns about the current electoral pattern where state elections draw national leaders for campaigns.
"By holding simultaneous elections, top party leaders will not be going to every state. You must balance the demand of people with the interest of economy and development..."
Senior advocate and constitutional expert Rakesh Dwivedi supported this view. "We should not become a nation of elections. There are practical problems in holding elections throughout the year. These issues have been addressed by this law," he said.
Dwivedi dismissed concerns about constitutional challenges.
"This bill certainly does not destroy or abridge the basic structure of the Constitution. It preserves federalism and democracy as the five-year tenure of assembly and the holding of separate elections, remain preserved."
This story is from the December 18, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Haryana.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber ? Sign In
This story is from the December 18, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Haryana.
Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.
Already a subscriber? Sign In
Not done yet, lot of cricket left in me, says Ashwin
The game gave me so much to a point where it allowed me to be creative and explore the best inside me R ASHWIN, ex-India spinner
Fit-again Renuka Thakur back to spearheading India's pace attack
Renuka Thakur knew that to achieve the breakthrough performance she was aiming for, a conversation with the legendary Jhulan Goswami was necessary.
Ex-India batter Kambli stable in hospital
ON SATURDAY, KAMBLI WAS ADMITTED IN AAKRUTI HOSPITAL IN THANE BY HIS WELL-WISHER SAILESH THAKUR, WHO IS THE DIRECTOR OF THE HOSPITAL
Khel Ratna list not finalised, says ministry on Manu 'snub'
Ministry says shooter did not apply for the award, even as family asks why the process must be so stringent given her Paris feat
Record chase in women's 50-over game
ruled out of Australia series
GMR SPORTS TO LAUNCH RUGBY 7S FRANCHISE-BASED LEAGUE NEXT YEAR
GMR Sport announced the launch of a franchise-based Rugby 7s league in a 10-year strategic partnership with Rugby India, the national governing body for the game.
India wait for Shubman to sort out scoring issues in away Tests
The No.3 batter has a range of shots, but hasn't shown patience early on and has struggled on this tour of Australia
Good bowlers are excited to come to MCG, says curator
The weather in Melbourne has already dropped from a high of 37°C a day after the team landed here to a max of 18°C on Monday.
Sales ratio shows growing e-mobility ecosystem in 2024
The number of fossil fuel-based vehicles sold for every electric vehicle (EV) in the two-wheeler and light motor vehicle categories has fallen in 2024, compared with last year, a positive indicator for the EV ecosystem in the country.
Honda, Nissan to fuse into automobile giant
Honda and Nissan are in talks to merge by 2026, they said on Monday, a historic pivot for Japan's auto industry that underlines the threat Chinese EV makers now pose to the world's long-dominant legacy car makers.