One Nation One Election: A Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) meeting on the One Nation One Election (ONOE) bill was held on Tuesday, where former Chief Justice of India (CJI) UU Lalit and ex-Law Commission Chairman Rituraj Awasthi presented their views on the bill.
While Awasthi supported the bill, arguing that simultaneous elections would save national resources and funds, former CJI UU Lalit cautioned against its immediate implementation, suggesting a phased approach instead.
One Nation One Election Needs a Step-by-Step Approach: Former CJI Lalit
UU Lalit stated that while the concept of One Nation One Election is theoretically strong, its implementation poses multiple challenges. He advised the committee:
“Do not implement ONOE in one go. It should be done in a phased manner.”
Amendment 82A should replace ‘May’ with ‘Shall’, making the law mandatory for future governments.
Assembly term adjustments need proper legal handling, or the bill could face constitutional challenges.
Concerns Raised by MPs on EVMs, Accountability & Mid-Term Polls
Several MPs raised practical and constitutional concerns during the meeting:
Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi questioned the availability and management of EVMs for nationwide elections.
LJP MP Sambhavi Chaudhary expressed concerns about government accountability once the tenure is fixed.
MPs also asked, “What happens if mid-term elections occur, and no party gains a majority, leading to a hung assembly?”
The Law Ministry officials assured that they would provide detailed responses in the upcoming meetings.
Former President Kovind’s Committee Defends the Bill
IAS officer Niten Chandra, the secretary of the committee led by former President Ram Nath Kovind, argued that the bill is not unconstitutional, as the Constitution does not prohibit setting a time frame for elections.
JPC to Continue Discussions in March
The committee chairman, PP Chaudhary, expressed satisfaction with the meeting, stating that all MPs actively participated and asked relevant questions. Due to time constraints, presentations by Congress leader Nachiappan and IAS officer Niten Chandra could not be completed and will be rescheduled for the next session in March.
Conclusion
The One Nation One Election proposal continues to spark debate, with supporters emphasizing cost-efficiency and critics warning of constitutional and logistical challenges. The JPC is set to deliberate further in the second half of the budget session on March 10.
