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NEW DELHI: Making a strong pitch for simultaneous polls to Parliament and state assemblies, the Law Commission said on Thursday that after examining all constitutional and legal provisions, it has concluded that this will be in larger public interest even though more consultation is needed.

The draft report released by the commission in the form of “Public Appeal” has noted that further consultation is required with all stakeholders, saying that the government needs to take steps in this direction. The 3-year term of the present panel led by Justice B S Chauhan ends on Friday.

The Centre has argued that staggered state polls and consequent application of code of conduct disrupts governance and diverts officials to poll duties.

Non-NDA parties are split, with Congress and Left opposing it on the ground that they go against the federal nature of India’s political system.

Reminding the government of its duty to consult all stakeholders, the law panel quoted Chanakya from Arthshastra: “The happiness of the King vests in the happiness of his subjects, and he must see his interest in the interest of his subjects.”

The panel said its analysis points to the fact that there is a possibility of restoring simultaneous polls, as was the case in the first two decades of India’s Independence.

During the course of study, the law panel evaluated international perspectives and, having been found suitable, the German concept of constructive vote of no-confidence is incorporated in the recommendations.

“The Commission comes to the conclusion restoring simultaneous elections will, in no way, affect the basic structure of the Constitution , democracy and the quasi-federal nature of the Constitution,” it said.

