Lok Sabha Extends Deadline for Submission of ‘One Nation, One Election’ Bill Report. The committee must now submit its report by the 2025 Winter Session. The Speaker of the Lok Sabha has also formed a three-member committee for judicial inquiry.
One Nation One Election Panel Report: The Lok Sabha on Tuesday approved a proposal to extend the deadline for submitting the report of the Joint Parliamentary Committee related to 'One Nation, One Election.' The committee is now required to submit its report by the first day of the final week of the 2025 Winter Session. This proposal was presented in the House by the committee's chairman, PP Chaudhary. He stated that it is necessary to grant more time to the Joint Committee on the Constitution (One Hundred and Twenty-Ninth Amendment) Bill, 2024, and the Union Territories Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2024, so that they can properly carry out their work.
History of the Constitution Amendment and the Bill
This bill was first introduced in the Lok Sabha in December 2024. Following this, it was sent to a Joint Parliamentary Committee of both houses for in-depth examination. The aim of this bill is to conduct elections for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies simultaneously in India, in order to save resources and make the election process more streamlined. The purpose of this amendment is said to be to strengthen democracy and improve the election process.
Why was the Deadline Extended for the Committee?
The Joint Parliamentary Committee needed this extension in order to fully consider all aspects related to the bill. This bill is of constitutional importance, therefore, it is necessary to prepare it with a thorough understanding, rather than in haste. The committee members have to prepare the report after receiving opinions and suggestions from various parts of the country, hence providing additional time was deemed necessary.
Lok Sabha Speaker Announces Three-Member Inquiry Committee
On the same day, Lok Sabha Speaker Om Birla announced the formation of a three-member committee to investigate serious allegations against Justice Yashwant Verma of the Allahabad High Court. This committee includes Justice Amit Kumar, Justice Maninder Mohan Shrivastava, and Senior Advocate B. B. Acharya.
Impeachment Motion Against Justice Yashwant Verma Accepted
Om Birla stated that he has accepted the motion given by 146 MPs to initiate impeachment proceedings against Justice Yashwant Verma. This impeachment has been brought after investigating the allegations against him.
Earlier, on August 7, the Supreme Court upheld the validity of the ongoing internal inquiry process against Justice Yashwant Verma of the Allahabad High Court. This investigation was initiated due to the discovery of burnt notes after a fire at his residence. The Court dismissed his petition challenging the findings of the inquiry and the impeachment recommendation.
