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

What is the maximum strength of the Lok Sabha?

Which article of the Indian Constitution deals with the impeachment of the President?

संसद सदस्यों का वेतन का निर्धारण किसकी स्वीकृति से होता है?

What is the maximum number of members in the Legislative Assembly of a state?

Which is the largest state in India by area?

विधायिका के प्रमुख का चुनाव किस प्रक्रिया से होता है?

न्यायिक समीक्षा मुख्यतः किन के खिलाफ की जाती है?

अभियोजक की नियुक्ति किस प्रावधान के तहत होती है?

केंद्रीय मंत्री की संख्या किस पर निर्भर करती है?

न्यायपालिका की स्वतंत्रता किस अनुच्छेद में सुनिश्चित की गई है?