April 6, 2026

NEW DELHI: Former chief justice of India BR Gavai told a parliamentary committee on Thursday that the simultaneous elections bill does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution.Becoming the sixth former CJI to appear before the joint committee of Parliament headed by BJP MP PP Chaudhary, Gavai said if the bill is enacted, it will affect neither the federal structure nor the democratic form of governance, making the proposed law in consonance with the basic structure, sources in the know of deliberations said.The one-nation-one-election bill, as the 129th Constitution (amendment) Bill is commonly known, only brings a change in the manner of elections once, while the structure of polls and the rights of voters remain the same.Enthused by Gavai’s backing, Chaudhary said opposition parties should join the ruling alliance in backing the bill so that the proposed law is crystallised, paving the way for synchronised Lok Sabha and assembly polls.This is in the national interest, and all parties should set aside their political interest to back the proposal, he told reporters, noting that most of the legal experts have found no constitutional error in the bill.The ex-CJI rejected the criticism that questioned Parliament’s mandate as the bill impacts states too and said the legislature has the mandate, sources added.He noted that India had held simultaneous elections till 1967.The entire bloc of opposition parties has condemned the bill as an attack on India’s federal structure and questioned govt’s arguments in its support.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBangladesh PM Hasina Calls Elections Rigged, Urges Credible Fresh Polls, Attacks Yunus‘Modi Under Trump’s Grip’: Rahul Gandhi Hits Back At Nishikant Dubey’s Motion‘Privilege Motion’ A Code Word? Rahul Gandhi Takes Dig At Media; BJP Hits BackIndus Waters Row Deepens After Pakistan’s ‘Dewatering’ Charge On New Dam, India Dismisses ClaimDonald Trump’s Old ‘Destroy Modi’s Career’ Comment Sparks Row As India Responds With Firm MessageLamborghini Brat Walks Free Within Hours Of Arrest; BJP MP Demands Rahul’s Disqualification From LSBrazil President To Visit India With 260 Firms To Boost Trade, Push Global Governance Reform AgendaFamily of Indian Student Killed by US Officer Secures Rs 260 Crore Settlement‘Amit Shah Called Me, Then Came the Raid’: Bhupesh Baghel’s Big ChargeIndia Approves Rs 3.25 Lakh Crore Rafale Fighter Jet Deal As Air Force Seeks Squadron Expansion Plan123Photostories7 nostalgic foods and how their packaging changed over the years7 natural ways to repel mosquitoes from balconies and gardensParineeti Chopra says her comeback ‘better be in a saree’—and she definitely delivered8 baby names inspired by Bollywood’s most loved charactersFrom ‘Aashiqui 2’ to ‘Mohabbatein’: Romantic Bollywood films to watch on OTT this Valentine’s DayFrom ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ to ‘Bandwaale’: 9 new movies and shows to watch this week on OTTHow to make classic Paneer Paratha for breakfastThe silk route: Why these 5 Indian weaves belong in every modern wardrobe8 unique dishes made with bottle gourd (lauki) for kids tiffinThese are the world’s narrowest residential buildings: Thin but iconic123Hot PicksBharat bandh todayGold Silver PricesBangladesh Elections 2026Telangana Municipal Elections ResultsIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingMyles GarrettErika KirkBad BunnyCatherine Polli Net WorthSeahawks Super Bowl paradeKayla NicoleAnthony JoshuaChloe KimCardi BMax Muncy

Vamsikrishna02 mins mins
NEW DELHI: Former chief justice of India BR Gavai told a parliamentary committee on Thursday that the simultaneous elections bill does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution.Becoming the sixth former CJI to appear before the joint committee of Parliament headed by BJP MP PP Chaudhary, Gavai said if the bill is enacted, it will affect neither the federal structure nor the democratic form of governance, making the proposed law in consonance with the basic structure, sources in the know of deliberations said.The one-nation-one-election bill, as the 129th Constitution (amendment) Bill is commonly known, only brings a change in the manner of elections once, while the structure of polls and the rights of voters remain the same.Enthused by Gavai’s backing, Chaudhary said opposition parties should join the ruling alliance in backing the bill so that the proposed law is crystallised, paving the way for synchronised Lok Sabha and assembly polls.This is in the national interest, and all parties should set aside their political interest to back the proposal, he told reporters, noting that most of the legal experts have found no constitutional error in the bill.The ex-CJI rejected the criticism that questioned Parliament’s mandate as the bill impacts states too and said the legislature has the mandate, sources added.He noted that India had held simultaneous elections till 1967.The entire bloc of opposition parties has condemned the bill as an attack on India’s federal structure and questioned govt’s arguments in its support.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosBangladesh PM Hasina Calls Elections Rigged, Urges Credible Fresh Polls, Attacks Yunus‘Modi Under Trump’s Grip’: Rahul Gandhi Hits Back At Nishikant Dubey’s Motion‘Privilege Motion’ A Code Word? Rahul Gandhi Takes Dig At Media; BJP Hits BackIndus Waters Row Deepens After Pakistan’s ‘Dewatering’ Charge On New Dam, India Dismisses ClaimDonald Trump’s Old ‘Destroy Modi’s Career’ Comment Sparks Row As India Responds With Firm MessageLamborghini Brat Walks Free Within Hours Of Arrest; BJP MP Demands Rahul’s Disqualification From LSBrazil President To Visit India With 260 Firms To Boost Trade, Push Global Governance Reform AgendaFamily of Indian Student Killed by US Officer Secures Rs 260 Crore Settlement‘Amit Shah Called Me, Then Came the Raid’: Bhupesh Baghel’s Big ChargeIndia Approves Rs 3.25 Lakh Crore Rafale Fighter Jet Deal As Air Force Seeks Squadron Expansion Plan123Photostories7 nostalgic foods and how their packaging changed over the years7 natural ways to repel mosquitoes from balconies and gardensParineeti Chopra says her comeback ‘better be in a saree’—and she definitely delivered8 baby names inspired by Bollywood’s most loved charactersFrom ‘Aashiqui 2’ to ‘Mohabbatein’: Romantic Bollywood films to watch on OTT this Valentine’s DayFrom ‘The Conjuring: Last Rites’ to ‘Bandwaale’: 9 new movies and shows to watch this week on OTTHow to make classic Paneer Paratha for breakfastThe silk route: Why these 5 Indian weaves belong in every modern wardrobe8 unique dishes made with bottle gourd (lauki) for kids tiffinThese are the world’s narrowest residential buildings: Thin but iconic123Hot PicksBharat bandh todayGold Silver PricesBangladesh Elections 2026Telangana Municipal Elections ResultsIncome Tax CalculatorPublic holidays February 2026Bank Holidays februaryTop TrendingMyles GarrettErika KirkBad BunnyCatherine Polli Net WorthSeahawks Super Bowl paradeKayla NicoleAnthony JoshuaChloe KimCardi BMax Muncy


Ex-CJI Gavai says ONOE bill does not violate constitution's basic structure

NEW DELHI: Former chief justice of India BR Gavai told a parliamentary committee on Thursday that the simultaneous elections bill does not violate the basic structure of the Constitution.Becoming the sixth former CJI to appear before the joint committee of Parliament headed by BJP MP PP Chaudhary, Gavai said if the bill is enacted, it will affect neither the federal structure nor the democratic form of governance, making the proposed law in consonance with the basic structure, sources in the know of deliberations said.The one-nation-one-election bill, as the 129th Constitution (amendment) Bill is commonly known, only brings a change in the manner of elections once, while the structure of polls and the rights of voters remain the same.Enthused by Gavai’s backing, Chaudhary said opposition parties should join the ruling alliance in backing the bill so that the proposed law is crystallised, paving the way for synchronised Lok Sabha and assembly polls.This is in the national interest, and all parties should set aside their political interest to back the proposal, he told reporters, noting that most of the legal experts have found no constitutional error in the bill.The ex-CJI rejected the criticism that questioned Parliament’s mandate as the bill impacts states too and said the legislature has the mandate, sources added.He noted that India had held simultaneous elections till 1967.The entire bloc of opposition parties has condemned the bill as an attack on India’s federal structure and questioned govt’s arguments in its support.



Source link

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Related News

PTI file photo NEW DELHI: In less than a week since the controversial amendments involving definition of transgender persons, omission of “self-perceived identity” as the basis for approval for getting a TG certificate from a district magistrate and introduction of a medical board among other things were notified as law, a writ petition has been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026.The Bill to amend the 2019 law was passed by Lok Sabha on March 24 and Rajya Sabha on March 25 with a voice vote amid strong objections from the opposition that demanded that the bill be referred to a standing committee for wider consultations. It became law after President of India Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on March 30.The petition challenging the law has been filed by well known transgender rights activists Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and Zainab Patel. At its core, the petition raises a key concern asking whether the state can redefine identity in a way that takes away a person’s right to define themselves.Incidentally, Tripathi and Patel were lead petitioners in the landmark NALSA v. Union of India (2014) case, which recognised the rights of transgender persons under the Constitution.In their current petition the activists have argued that the 2026 amendment changes the foundation of how transgender identity is understood in law. “It moves away from self-identification and replaces it with a narrow, state-driven definition based on fixed categories and medical conditions. In doing so, it departs from what the Supreme Court had already affirmed in NALSA that gender identity is a matter of personal dignity and choice,” the activists highlight.One of the central concerns raised is the replacement of the earlier definition of a transgender person with a closed framework. The petition points out that many transgender persons who do not fall within these categories could be left without legal recognition.The petition challenges the removal of the explicit right to self-perceived gender identity, and flags provisions that blur the line between transgender identity and situations of coercion or trafficking. It raises concerns that existing rights, including identity documents issued under the earlier framework, may be put at risk.The challenge is based on violations of fundamental rights under Articles 14, 15, 19, and 21 of the Constitution, along with established principles in international human rights law.“This law takes us backwards. In NALSA, the Supreme Court affirmed that our identity comes from within, not from a checklist created by the State. Today, that core principle is being undone. As petitioners in that very case, we have returned to the Court because this amendment does not just change definitions, it changes lives. It risks pushing many transgender persons outside the protection of the law itself,” Tripathi and Patel said in a joint statement.“This is not a technical correction. It is a constitutional question about dignity, autonomy, and whether the State can decide who we are,” they said.Both Tripathi and Patel have also previously served as members when the National Council for Transgender Persons – a statutory body under the law. Tripathi is the founder of Astitva Trust and National Network for Transgender Persons and Patel, a ‘Diversity Equity and Inclusion’ strategist who is also the founder of Pride Business Network Foundation.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDRDO Begins Work On Next-Generation Missile To Replace Prithvi Series : Reports“Adani Is BJP’s Financial Structure”: Rahul Gandhi Tears Into PM ModiPakistan To Return .5 Billion UAE Debt In April Despite Reserve StrainOil India Posts Record Crude Output From Rajasthan’s Thar Desert Amid West Asia Crisis‘True Friendship’: Iran Envoy Lauds India Ties, Clarifies Deleted Thank You PostsPM Modi Assures No Seat Cut For Southern States, Pushes Women’s Quota Bill‘Will Take It To Kolkata’: Pak Minister Khawaja Asif’s Fresh Threat After Rajnath’s Stern WarningBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool Pakistan123PhotostoriesSummer Meal: How to make light and comforting Boondi Kadhi for dinnerHow to be successful in life, as per psychologyFSSAI shares how much oil you should consume in a day and effective steps to track oil intake; easy zero-oil dishes insideHow to deal with negative people: 5 effective psychology-based tipsMeet 5 Indian singers who are setting the nation’s hottest fashion trendsTop K-pop songs from the most romantic K-dramas: ‘Goblin’, ‘Descendants of the Sun’ and more10 simple habits and tips to master emotional intelligenceYou don’t have diabetes, but your blood sugar may still be unstable: What to watch and how to fix itTop 5 premium localities in Greater Noida attracting affluent buyers and long-term investorsIs clay pot (matka) water safe? 5-step cleaning tips & summer benefits of matka water123Hot PicksIPL ScoreUpdated IPL Points TableApp Leader Raghav ChadhaLPG ShortageStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingYesterday IPL match resultVaibhav SooryavanshiStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Saudi Arabia travel ban rulesToll PaymentIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

PTI file photo NEW DELHI: In less than a week since the controversial amendments involving definition of transgender persons, omission of “self-perceived identity” as the basis for approval for getting a TG certificate from a district magistrate and introduction of a medical board among other things were notified as law, a writ petition has been filed before the Supreme Court challenging the constitutional validity of the Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Amendment Act, 2026.The Bill to amend the 2019 law was passed by Lok Sabha on March 24 and Rajya Sabha on March 25 with a voice vote amid strong objections from the opposition that demanded that the bill be referred to a standing committee for wider consultations. It became law after President of India Droupadi Murmu gave her assent on March 30.The petition challenging the law has been filed by well known transgender rights activists Laxmi Narayan Tripathi and Zainab Patel. At its core, the petition raises a key concern asking whether the state can redefine identity in a way that takes away a person’s right to define themselves.Incidentally, Tripathi and Patel were lead petitioners in the landmark NALSA v. Union of India (2014) case, which recognised the rights of transgender persons under the Constitution.In their current petition the activists have argued that the 2026 amendment changes the foundation of how transgender identity is understood in law. “It moves away from self-identification and replaces it with a narrow, state-driven definition based on fixed categories and medical conditions. In doing so, it departs from what the Supreme Court had already affirmed in NALSA that gender identity is a matter of personal dignity and choice,” the activists highlight.One of the central concerns raised is the replacement of the earlier definition of a transgender person with a closed framework. The petition points out that many transgender persons who do not fall within these categories could be left without legal recognition.The petition challenges the removal of the explicit right to self-perceived gender identity, and flags provisions that blur the line between transgender identity and situations of coercion or trafficking. It raises concerns that existing rights, including identity documents issued under the earlier framework, may be put at risk.The challenge is based on violations of fundamental rights under Articles 14, 15, 19, and 21 of the Constitution, along with established principles in international human rights law.“This law takes us backwards. In NALSA, the Supreme Court affirmed that our identity comes from within, not from a checklist created by the State. Today, that core principle is being undone. As petitioners in that very case, we have returned to the Court because this amendment does not just change definitions, it changes lives. It risks pushing many transgender persons outside the protection of the law itself,” Tripathi and Patel said in a joint statement.“This is not a technical correction. It is a constitutional question about dignity, autonomy, and whether the State can decide who we are,” they said.Both Tripathi and Patel have also previously served as members when the National Council for Transgender Persons – a statutory body under the law. Tripathi is the founder of Astitva Trust and National Network for Transgender Persons and Patel, a ‘Diversity Equity and Inclusion’ strategist who is also the founder of Pride Business Network Foundation.End of ArticleFollow Us On Social MediaVideosDRDO Begins Work On Next-Generation Missile To Replace Prithvi Series : Reports“Adani Is BJP’s Financial Structure”: Rahul Gandhi Tears Into PM ModiPakistan To Return $3.5 Billion UAE Debt In April Despite Reserve StrainOil India Posts Record Crude Output From Rajasthan’s Thar Desert Amid West Asia Crisis‘True Friendship’: Iran Envoy Lauds India Ties, Clarifies Deleted Thank You PostsPM Modi Assures No Seat Cut For Southern States, Pushes Women’s Quota Bill‘Will Take It To Kolkata’: Pak Minister Khawaja Asif’s Fresh Threat After Rajnath’s Stern WarningBig Reveal: ISI Behind Chandigarh Attack, Global Terror Links Surface”Living In Fear”: Indian Family In Bahrain Amid Escalating Iran War‘Genius Move’: Ex-US Pilot Hails India’s Ploy To Use Rafale Decoys In Op Sindoor To Fool Pakistan123PhotostoriesSummer Meal: How to make light and comforting Boondi Kadhi for dinnerHow to be successful in life, as per psychologyFSSAI shares how much oil you should consume in a day and effective steps to track oil intake; easy zero-oil dishes insideHow to deal with negative people: 5 effective psychology-based tipsMeet 5 Indian singers who are setting the nation’s hottest fashion trendsTop K-pop songs from the most romantic K-dramas: ‘Goblin’, ‘Descendants of the Sun’ and more10 simple habits and tips to master emotional intelligenceYou don’t have diabetes, but your blood sugar may still be unstable: What to watch and how to fix itTop 5 premium localities in Greater Noida attracting affluent buyers and long-term investorsIs clay pot (matka) water safe? 5-step cleaning tips & summer benefits of matka water123Hot PicksIPL ScoreUpdated IPL Points TableApp Leader Raghav ChadhaLPG ShortageStephen CurryPublic holidays April 2026Bank Holidays AprilTop TrendingYesterday IPL match resultVaibhav SooryavanshiStrait of HormuzIPL 2026Saudi Arabia travel ban rulesToll PaymentIran Drone StrikeHailee SteinfeldSchool Holidays in AprilIran war news

Vamsikrishna 0