The Lok Sabha has approved an extension for the Joint Parliamentary Committee (JPC) that is reviewing the ‘One Nation, One Election Bill’. This extension allows the committee to finalize and present its report by the beginning of the last week of the Monsoon Session in 2026.

Motion Moved by JPC Chairman

PP Chaudhary, the Chairman of the JPC, moved the motion in the Lok Sabha, requesting additional time for the committee to submit its findings on the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. The motion specifically stated, “That this House do extend time for the presentation of the Report of the Joint Committee on the ‘Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024 and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024’ up to the first day of the last week of the Monsoon Session, 2026.”

Background of the Legislation

The bills in question were introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2024. They were referred to the JPC for detailed examination. The Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, is part of the larger initiative known as “One Nation, One Election,” which aims to synchronize the electoral processes for the Lok Sabha and state legislative assemblies. The Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, complements this goal by facilitating simultaneous elections across the country.

Current Status of the JPC Review

The JPC is actively engaged in examining both the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024. These legislative proposals were introduced in the Lok Sabha on December 17, 2024, marking a significant step toward realizing the objective of holding simultaneous elections.

Recent Committee Meeting Insights

The JPC convened at the Parliament House Annexe in New Delhi on March 9. Following this meeting, Chairman PP Chaudhary emphasized that the ‘One Nation, One Election’ initiative is primarily in the national interest rather than aligned with any political party’s agenda. In comments made to the press, he noted the importance of prioritizing national interests above party politics. He highlighted that the initiative would streamline the electoral process by creating a single voter list, which could lead to significant efficiency gains. Ghulam Nabi Azad, a former Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, participated in the discussion, sharing his extensive political experience to clarify various aspects of the proposal for committee members.

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