Topic Details (Notes format)

Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule)

Subject: Polity

Book: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth

Added by the 52nd Amendment (1985) to curb political defections undermining legislative stability. Legislators who defect from their party or disobey the party whip risk disqualification. The Speaker or Chairman decides such cases. Exceptions include party mergers or splits with a threshold. The 91st Amendment (2003) tightened the law, removing splits as a defense. While it deters opportunism, critics argue it restricts legitimate dissent and undermines constructive debate. Controversies surface when presiding officers act in a partisan manner. Nonetheless, the law remains central for maintaining stable governments and checking undue horse-trading in Indian legislatures.

Practice Questions

मौलिक अधिकारों के लिए न्यायिक संरक्षण किस अनुच्छेद के माध्यम से मिलता है?

Which of the following is NOT a power of the President of India?

Which article of the Indian Constitution allows the President to declare a National Emergency?

Who can remove the President of India from office?

भारतीय सर्वोच्च न्यायालय का गठन किस आधार पर हुआ?

वरिष्ठ न्यायाधीशों की नियुक्ति में किस समिति का योगदान होता है?

विधायिका के प्रमुख का चुनाव किस प्रक्रिया से होता है?

What is the term of office for the Vice President of India?

Who was the first Speaker of the Lok Sabha?

लोकसभा का कार्यकाल कितने वर्षों का होता है?