Simultaneous Elections: Legal Titans Weigh In

Key legal figures, including R Venkatramani and Justice D N Patel, to convey their insights on simultaneous elections. The parliamentary committee, guided by P P Chaudhary, seeks input from legal experts to draft its recommendations. Opposition members focus on the constitutionality of proposed simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly polls.

In a pivotal meeting set for Tuesday, Attorney General R Venkatramani and Telecom Disputes Settlement and Appellate Tribunal Chairman Justice D N Patel will share their insights on the proposed simultaneous election bills with a parliamentary committee. This session is critical as the committee seeks expert legal opinions to shape its recommendations, according to its chairman P P Chaudhary.

The committee, comprising 38 members and two special invitees, is in the midst of consultations with various legal luminaries. Former Supreme Court chief justices U U Lalit and Ranjan Gogoi, along with eminent jurist Harish Salve and former Delhi High Court chief justice A P Shah, have already testified. Their viewpoints are crucial as the committee deliberates the constitutional implications of simultaneous Lok Sabha and assembly elections.

Opposition members have been persistent in challenging the constitutional validity of the proposed legislation, questioning the government's justifications. As the committee's deadline approaches, its tenure might be extended to ensure thorough examination and comprehensive reporting, sources indicate.

(With inputs from agencies.)