The 129th Constitutional Amendment Bill, 2024 proposes Article 82A to enable simultaneous Lok Sabha and State Assembly elections. Supporters cite cost savings, efficiency, and policy continuity, but the plan raises serious constitutional and federal concerns. Aligning terms could mean cutting short or extending legislative tenures, undermining democratic accountability. Allowing the Election Commission to defer polls without Article 356 weakens federal safeguards. While administrative benefits are real, unchecked deferment powers risk legal challenges and erode neutrality. Lasting reform requires phased implementation, broad consensus, and strict safeguards. Efficiency must not trump democratic principles or citizens’ right to regular elections.
The Supreme Court has raised “serious doubts” over the Election Commission’s decision to conduct a ‘special intensive revision’ of Bihar’s electoral rolls just months before the 2025 Assembly elections. A bench questioned the timing, legal basis, and impact on voters, warning that eligible citizens could be disenfranchised without time to appeal. The Court also asked why Aadhaar is excluded as valid ID, suggesting it should be allowed. It sought clarity on the legal authority for such a revision, as only ‘summary’ and ‘intensive’ revisions are recognized. The case will shape future electoral roll practices in India.
