Former CJI Ranjan Gogoi Defends One Nation, One Poll

Why in the News?

Former Chief Justice of India Ranjan Gogoi appeared before the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) on One Nation, One Poll (ONOP), arguing that the proposed constitutional amendment does not take away voting rights but raises concerns over Election Commission’s expanded powers.

Former CJI Ranjan Gogoi Defends One Nation, One Poll

Key Developments in ONOP Debate:

  • Former Chief Justice of India (CJI) Ranjan Gogoi appeared before the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) examining the One Nation, One Poll (ONOP)
  • He argued that the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill does not take away voting rights but only creates an election schedule.
  • He acknowledged concerns over excessive powers granted to the Election Commission (EC) under the new provisions.

Proposed Amendments & Concerns

  • A new Article 82A allows the EC to postpone state elections if they cannot align with general elections.
  • Opposition leaders argue this undermines federalism and expands EC’s authority beyond parliamentary oversight.
  • Under current rules, if elections are delayed, President’s Rule is imposed, subject to parliamentary ratification.
  • The bill proposes a clause requiring a confidence motion to follow a no-confidence motion in assemblies to prevent governance vacuums.

Future Course & Opposition Stance

  • The 39-member JPC, chaired by BJP MP PP Chaudhary, is gathering public feedback via an online portal.
  • The panel will submit its final report by the last week of the 2025 Budget Session.
  • ONOP aims for the first simultaneous elections by 2034, as per the BJP’s 2024 manifesto.
  • Opposition parties and activists strongly oppose the bill, citing threats to democratic accountability and state autonomy.

One Nation One Election (Simultaneous Polls):

Concept & History

  • One Nation One Election refers to conducting Lok Sabha, state assembly, and local body elections simultaneously.
  • Voters would cast their votes for both Lok Sabha and state assemblies on the same day (or in phases).
  • Simultaneous elections were held in 1951-52, 1957, 1962, and 1967 but were disrupted due to premature dissolutions.
  • The idea has been revived recently to streamline elections and reduce costs.

Pros & Cons

Advantages:

  • Cost reduction by eliminating multiple elections.
  • Focus on long-term governance instead of frequent campaign cycles.
  • Higher voter turnout due to reduced voter fatigue.
  • Level playing field for smaller parties with reduced expenses.
  • Efficient deployment of security forces.

Disadvantages:

  • Synchronization challenges if governments fall early.
  • Federalism concerns, requiring constitutional amendments.
  • Voter confusion between national and state issues.
  • Disadvantage to regional parties, favoring national ones.
  • Fixed terms may reduce government accountability.

Constitutional Amendments Required

  • Article 83 & 172 – Fixing tenure of Parliament and state legislatures.
  • Article 85 & 174 – Guidelines for prorogation and dissolution of sessions.