Law Commission to brief House panel on simultaneous polls today, Pg10

Key Highlights:

• The Law Commission informed a joint parliamentary committee on November 28, 2025, that the Constitution amendment bill for simultaneous polls doesn't need ratification by 50% of state legislatures.
• The Law Commission stated the bill falls under Parliament’s law-making powers, not requiring state ratification.
• Justice Dinesh Maheshwari (retd), Chairman of the Law Commission, along with Anju Rathi Rana and Varsha Sinha, will brief the parliamentary committee on the legal aspects.
• The Law Commission assured that the proposed amendment does not disturb the basic structure of the Constitution.

Detailed Insights:

• The joint committee of Parliament is reviewing bills related to holding simultaneous elections for the Lok Sabha and state assemblies to streamline the electoral process.
• The Law Commission's opinion follows a detailed report submitted in October, clarifying legal points regarding the proposed legislation.
• The proposed amendment may involve curtailing the terms of state legislative assemblies, but the Law Commission asserts that this does not violate the Constitution's basic structure.
• Simultaneous elections aim to reduce election-related expenses, ensure policy continuity, and improve administrative efficiency by holding elections at the same time.

Key Concepts Involved:

• Simultaneous Elections: Holding elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies at the same time to save resources and ensure policy stability.
• Basic Structure of the Constitution: Fundamental principles of the Constitution that cannot be altered by amendments, as defined by the Supreme Court.
• Ratification: The process by which state legislatures approve a constitutional amendment before it can come into effect.