Syllabus: GS-II
Subject: Indian Polity and Constitution
Topic: Elections – Related Constitutional Provisions
Context: Law Ministry statement on simultaneous polls.
Synopsis:
The Ram Nath Kovind-led high level committee (HLC) was appointed to consider “One Nation One Election” and make recommendations to the government.
Reports:
- In 2018, the Law Commission presented a comprehensive report in support of the concept of simultaneous elections.
- Parliamentary standing committee on Personnel, Public Grievances, Law and Justice 79th report.
- Draft report of the 21st Law Commission expressed conviction on the feasibility of conducting simultaneous elections.
Simultaneous polls:
| Benefits | Challenges |
| Significant cost savings for the public exchequer. | Necessitates constitutional amendments for at least five Articles namely Articles 83, 85, 172, 174, and 356. |
| Reduced strain on administrative structures and security forces, | Is considered contradictoryto the principles of the Constitution and federalism.(S.Y Quraishi) |
| Policy paralysis during Model Code of Conduct addressed | Implementation challenges:
|
| Consistently focused on developmental efforts | Disproportionately benefits national parties which have high financial resources. |
