Prof. Virendra Kumar Delivers Lecture on ‘One Nation One Election’ at HPNLU Shimla

Shimla, 30 April 2025: The Centre for Philosophy and Comparative Law Studies at Himachal Pradesh National Law University (HPNLU), Shimla, inaugurated a Special Lecture Series with a thought-provoking session by Prof. (Dr.) Virendra Kumar, Professor Emeritus in Law and Founding Director of Chandigarh Judicial Academy. The event, held under the leadership of Hon’ble Vice Chancellor Prof. (Dr.) Priti Saxena, was attended by students, research scholars, and faculty members.

The lecture titled “One Nation One Election: A Juridical Critique of the Constitution (129th Amendment) Bill, 2024” examined the constitutional and democratic implications of simultaneous elections in India. Prof. Kumar critically analyzed the six-fold strategy proposed by the high-level committee led by Hon’ble Former President Shri Ram Nath Kovind, including synchronization of electoral cycles, empowerment of the Election Commission, and requisite constitutional amendments.

Highlighting benefits such as reduced electoral costs and governance stability, Prof. Kumar contended that the Bill does not violate the federal structure or the basic structure of the Constitution. Citing Janhit Abhiyan v. Union of India, he contradicted views that the Bill undermines federalism and emphasized the constitutional value of fraternity as a guiding democratic principle.

Vice Chancellor Prof. Saxena opened the session with critical questions on federalism and democracy, while Prof. (Dr.) Chanchal Kumar Singh, Director of the Centre, introduced the speaker and contextualized the series. Dr. Mritunjay Kumar concluded with a Vote of Thanks, praising Prof. Kumar’s nuanced constitutional insights.

The next lecture will delve into the concept of “Reservation within Reservation”, analyzing the landmark 7-Judge Constitution Bench verdict delivered by the Hon’ble Supreme Court on August 1, 2024.