One Nation One Poll: Former CJIs flag concern over Election Commission’s powers
Two former chief justices of India, Justice DY Chandrachud and Justice JS Khehar, have expressed concerns over the unchecked authority conferred on the Election Commission of India (ECI) under the proposed One Nation One Election (ONOE) Bill.
According to sources, both former CJIs share the same view and have raised objections to the language and several provisions of the constitutional amendment bill, particularly those that grant excessive powers to the Commission in implementing the proposed framework for simultaneous elections.
On Friday, Justice Chandrachud concluded his presentation before the Joint Parliamentary Committee, chaired by BJP MP PP Chaudhary, which is tasked with reviewing the Bill.
Justice Khehar had earlier submitted his written opinion and given his views on the legal and constitutional aspects of the proposed legislation.
“The former CJI told the Committee that though the Bill does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution, some of the provisions can’t stand before judicial scrutiny and also made some recommendations to address them. Both the justices further suggested that there should be an ‘oversight mechanism’ on the conduct of elections,” said sources.