Simultaneous elections do not violate the basic structure of the Constitution or its federal framework, former Chief Justice of India B.R. Gavai told Parliament’s Joint Committee reviewing the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, which aims to synchronise elections for the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.
At the panel’s meeting on Thursday (February 12, 2026), Justice Gavai said the legislation brings “only a change in the manner of elections once”, which does not breach the doctrine. The structure of elections and voter rights remain the same, he noted, and therefore the amendment would be constitutional. He further explained that it is well within Parliamentary competence to bring in such a law.
Drop the bad idea of simultaneous elections
Since instruments such as the “no-confidence motion” remain intact, Justice Gavai said, there is no impact on the accountability of the Union or State governments.
Divided opinions
