The Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) reviewing the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024 — popularly known as the One Nation One Election Bill — will intensify its consultations this week with a series of high-profile expert interactions scheduled on March 26 and April 2 at the Parliament Annexe.
On Tuesday, March 26, the JPC will first hear from Justice D.N. Patel, former Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court and the current Chairperson of the Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal (TDSAT). The committee will then engage in detailed discussions with R. Venkataramani, the Attorney General of India, seeking legal insights into the constitutional implications of synchronising elections across the nation.
Key Highlights:
The second round of expert deliberations is scheduled for April 2, featuring two more esteemed personalities: Justice Hemant Gupta, retired judge of the Supreme Court of India, followed by Justice B.S. Chauhan, another former SC judge and Chairman of the 21st Law Commission of India.
One Nation One Election Bill Review Gains Momentum
The JPC, chaired by BJP MP PP Chaudhary, is tasked with reviewing two crucial legislative proposals: the 129th Constitution Amendment Bill, which aims to introduce One Nation, One Election, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024.
The One Nation One Election Bill proposes synchronising elections to the Lok Sabha and state assemblies, a move the government believes will enhance efficiency, reduce costs, and ensure smoother governance. However, the plan has attracted a spectrum of political and constitutional concerns, which the committee is actively addressing through expert testimonies and deliberations.
In its last meeting held on March 18, the JPC had an extensive 5-hour session, engaging with former Solicitor General of India Harish Salve for three hours, followed by a two-hour discussion with Justice Ajit Prakash Shah, former Chairman of the Law Commission of India.
PP Chaudhary had stated that the discussions are proving effective in clearing the doubts of the members. “We will bring ‘One Nation, One Election’ for the benefit of the country,” he told ANI. “The doubts of the members are being cleared through discussions with experts.”
Digital Participation and Stakeholder Engagement
Chaudhary also confirmed the upcoming launch of a dedicated ‘One Nation, One Election’ portal, which will allow stakeholders to submit their feedback clause-wise. The portal presentation has been made, and some corrections are being implemented before the final rollout.
Key Legislative Goals and Expert Insights
- The 129th Amendment Bill seeks to align the election cycles of Lok Sabha and state assemblies, requiring extensive constitutional scrutiny.
- The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, aims to streamline governance and legal uniformity across India’s Union Territories.
The JPC’s ongoing expert consultations underline the significance and complexity of the legislative changes being proposed. Engaging former judges, top constitutional experts, and senior legal professionals reflects the government’s intent to ensure a legally sound and politically inclusive roadmap.
As India prepares for a potentially historic shift in its electoral architecture, all eyes remain on the recommendations of the JPC, expected in the coming months.
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