Opposition calls move an assault on basic structure, federal spirit
Hindustan Times Mumbai|December 18, 2024
NEW DELHI: Opposition leaders on Tuesday launched a scathing attack on the bills introduced in the Lok Sabha that propose simultaneous elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, arguing that the legislation undermines federalism, violates the Constitution's basic structure, was introduced without adequate consultation with states and envisions an impractical scenario.
Snehashish Roy

The bills -- Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 and The Union Territories (Amendment) Bill, 2024 -- seek to align elections to the Lok Sabha, state assemblies and Union territories of Puducherry, Delhi, and Jammu & Kashmir. They were introduced by Union law minister Arjun Ram Meghwal after a heated 90-minute debate.

The introduction of the bills was followed by a division of votes using the automated vote recording system for the first time in the Lok Sabha. The introduction was approved by 263 MPs and opposed by 198 members. To be sure, the constitutional amendment will require a two-thirds majority to be passed in both Houses.

Leading the opposition charge, Congress MP Manish Tewari termed the bills an "assault" on the basic structure doctrine established by the Supreme Court in the 1973 Kesavananda Bharati case. "One of the essential features is federalism and the structure of our democracy. The bills assault the basic structure of the Constitution and exceed the legislative competence of this House," said Tewari, who represents Chandigarh in the Lok Sabha.

This story is from the December 18, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Mumbai.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the December 18, 2024 edition of Hindustan Times Mumbai.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM HINDUSTAN TIMES MUMBAIView All
Hindustan Times Mumbai

'OTT is now about stars, comebacks'

Actor Divya Dutta made a cameo appearance recently in the OTT film Sikandar Ka Muqaddar, which has led fans to believe maybe she will have a bigger role in a potential sequel.

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2024
Hindustan Times Mumbai

Seal it with a Marquise!

Actor-singer Selena Gomez recently surprised her fans when she announced her engagement to music producer Benny Blanco.

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2024
Hindustan Times Mumbai

Zakir Hussain matlab tabla: Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia on Ustad's death

Pandit Hariprasad Chaurasia, the legendary classical flautist and music director, is unable to believe that Ustad Zakir Hussain has passed away at \"such a young age\", he tells HT City.

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2024
Hindustan Times Mumbai

WHY INDIA LOVES BRAND AYUSHMANN KHURRANA

Actor Ayushmann Khurrana is considered one of India's most relatable youth icons, something that is reflected in the diverse brands he endorses.

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2024
Hindustan Times Mumbai

When Chay flew to Mumbai

Following their wedding on December 4, actor-couple Naga Chaitanya and Sobhita Dhulipala have opened up about their relationship for the first time.

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2024
Hindustan Times Mumbai

New Zealand crush England by 423 runs to send retiring Southee out on a high

HAMILTON: New Zealand tore through England's batting on Tuesday to crush the visitors by 423 runs in the third Test and send Tim Southee into retirement on a triumphant note.

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2024
Hindustan Times Mumbai

Grit in the tail frustrates the hosts, India avoid follow-on

Like in 2021, there was defiance in the damp air of Gabba as Deep and Bumrah steer India towards a likely draw on Day 4

time-read
3 mins  |
December 18, 2024
Hindustan Times Mumbai

Jhulan Goswami stand: Another historic moment at Eden Gardens

KOLKATA: At 6.58 pm on a misty winter evening near the Eden Gardens change rooms, Jhulan Goswami took the stage. And said she was speechless.

time-read
2 mins  |
December 18, 2024
Hindustan Times Mumbai

DEVESH HITS 64 TO LEAD MODERN ENGLISH'S CHASE IN HARRIS FINAL

MUMBAI: Modern English School have put themselves in a good position after scoring 263/8 at stumps on Day 2 of the Harris Shield final against Anjuman I-Islam Allana School, at the Brabourne Stadium.

time-read
1 min  |
December 18, 2024
Hindustan Times Mumbai

Hayley shines, WI level Series with big Victory

The visiting skipper hit a 47-ball 85* after taking 2 wickets to help the Caribbean women level the 3-match T20 series

time-read
2 mins  |
December 18, 2024