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."
Denne historien er fra December 18, 2024-utgaven av Hindustan Times Thane.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent ? Logg på
Denne historien er fra December 18, 2024-utgaven av Hindustan Times Thane.
Start din 7-dagers gratis prøveperiode på Magzter GOLD for å få tilgang til tusenvis av utvalgte premiumhistorier og 9000+ magasiner og aviser.
Allerede abonnent? Logg på
Cummins, the pace spearhead driving Australia's serial success
Knack for wickets, unparalleled control and a never-say-die attitude for which Glenn McGrath will be revered as possibly the greatest Australian fast bowler in the last four decades.
Agarkar To Brief Selectors Ahead Of BCCI Meet On Sunday
The selection committee will be in full attendance for the knockout rounds of the Vijay Hazare Trophy one-dayers in Vadodara, which start with the pre-quarter finals on Thursday.
Djokovic: At his happy hunting ground, with an old foe in tow
The Serbian has worked with Becker, Agassi and Ivanisevic. In Murray he has access to the mind of a master tactician
Indian Hockey Players Bonding With the Best in Relaunched HIL
Skipper Sumit Walmiki and Australian Tim Brand walked to the dugout, shared a laugh and high-fived after Hyderabad Toofans' practice.
Shooter Tomar finds fresh high after domestic double
Varun Tomar's dream of representing India at the Paris Olympics was crushed when he lost in the domestic selection trials to pick the final squad.
Neeraj to star in a world javelin event in India
India's two-time Olympic medallist and reigning world champion Neeraj Chopra will be the star attraction in a marquee international javelin tournament at home later this year, the Athletics Federation of India (AFI) said on Tuesday.
Cloud over review of 14-yr-old trade pact with Asean
THE REVIEW HAS STALLED SINCE INDIA'S OFFER OF A UNIFIED DUTY STRUCTURE HAS NOT FOUND FAVOUR AMONG ASEAN MEMBERS
Meta Goes For Community Notes, Ends Fact-Checking
Meta Platforms chief executive officer (CEO) Mark Zuckerberg on Tuesday announced a decision to do away with the company's long-standing fact-checking teams—choosing instead to establish a 'community notes' mechanism akin to Elon Musk's X, formerly Twitter.
Microsoft to Invest $3 Billion in AI, Cloud Expansion in India
The tech giant also plans to train 10 million people in AI skills in India by 2030
Capex allocation likely to rise 10% for roads, rlys
The Centre proposes to keep its focus on rapid infrastructure growth in the next financial year, with plans to push capex allocation for the ministries of road transport and highways, and railways in the upcoming budget by up to 10%, two persons aware of the development said.
