One nation, one election: Former CJls flag 'issues'

The ambitious 'one nation, one election' bill proposed by the Union government that calls for holding synchronised Parliament and Assembly polls across the country, has raised fresh concerns.

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A string of former Chief Justices of India (CJIs) have flagged the 'sweeping powers' the bill seeks to offer to the Election Commission (EC). In fact, former CJIs DY Chandrachud and Ranjan Gogoi have suggested in unison to lay down guidelines for the EC in exercising discretion to curtail or extend the tenure of a state Assembly beyond the constitutionally mandated five years using simultaneous elections as a pretext. However, as against the Oppositions' criticisms, at least three ex-CJIs have not questioned the constitutionality of the concept of simultaneous polls

Former chief justices of India (CJIs), who have conveyed their views to a parliamentary committee on the bill proposing simultaneous polls, have endorsed the constitutionality of the 'one nation, one election' concept but have raised concerns over its various aspects, including the power given to the Election Commission (EC), and offered suggestions.