Jurists divided on proposed simultaneous elections in India

Eminent legal experts are divided over a proposal to hold simultaneous elections in India. A 39-member parliamentary panel is currently reviewing two important bills related to this idea. The panel is expected to complete its report by the end of March 2025. On one side, senior advocate Harish Salve supports the proposal from the government. He argues that the idea of simultaneous elections can be beneficial. However, he expressed strong concerns about giving too much power to the Election Commission. Salve questioned the new provisions that would allow the Commission to decide when to hold elections or suggest President’s Rule. Former Chief Justice of the Delhi High Court, Justice AP Shah, strongly opposes the proposal. He believes it undermines India’s federal structure and could make it hard to hold the government accountable. Shah pointed out that if a government does not finish its full term, the new government elected would only serve for the remainder of that term, which he sees as unprecedented and problematic. Justice Shah argued that this approach violates the basic principles of the Constitution. He fears it could lead to confusing situations for voters, who would only have a “half choice” when electing new representatives. Critics like Shah warn that this could have serious consequences for democracy in India.