Ex-CJIs Caution Against Granting Absolute Powers to Election Commission on One Nation, One Election

Former Chief Justices DY Chandrachud and JS Khehar advised the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) to avoid granting unbridled powers to the Election Commission (EC) in implementing the One Nation, One Election system.

They recommended establishing a system of checks and balances and an oversight mechanism to regulate election conduct.

The judges emphasised preserving the five-year term of elected governments to ensure good governance. BJP MP PP Chaudhary, heading the JPC, acknowledged their suggestions and promised amendments in the national interest.

Despite opposition criticism, jurists maintained that the Constitution does not mandate separate national and state elections.