Anti-Defection Law (10th Sch)

  • Introduced by 52nd AA, 1985
    • The Y B Chavan committee submitted a report during the fourth Lok Sabha in 1967 which led to a first attempt to submit an anti-defection bill in Parliament.
    • It was later culminated in the 91st Constitutional amendment in 2003.
  • Legislators may be disqualified on grounds of defection by the Presiding Officer [PO] of a legislature based on a petition by any other member of the House.
  • His [PO] decision is final. JR is applicable only after the decision is made.
  • Law aims to prevent MPs or MLAs from switching political parties for any personal motive

Disqualification

If a member [MPs or MLAs] of a house belonging to a political party:

  • Voluntarily gives up the membership of his political party, or
  • Votes, or does not vote in the legislature, contrary to the directions of his political party. However, if the member has taken prior permission, or is condoned by the party within 15 days from such voting or abstention, the member shall not be disqualified.
  • If an independent candidate joins a political party after the election.
  • If a nominated member joins a party six months after he becomes a member of the legislature.

Exceptions under the law [amendment to the law in 2003]

  • The law allows a party to merge with or into another party provided that at least 2/3rd of its legislators are in favour of the merger. Earlier it was 1/3rd

Decision of the Presiding Officer is subject to judicial review:

  • The law initially stated that the decision of the Presiding Officer is not subject to judicial review. This condition was struck down by the Supreme Court in 1992, thereby allowing appeals against the Presiding Officer’s decision in the High Court and Supreme Court. However, it held that there may not be any judicial intervention until the Presiding Officer gives his order.

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