Anti-Defection Law and Rajya Sabha MP Defections
Why in news?
The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has petitioned the Rajya Sabha Chairman to disqualify seven of its MPs who recently defected to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The AAP alleges that this move violates the anti-defection law.
Key points
- Seven Rajya Sabha MPs have defected from AAP to BJP.
- AAP has submitted a petition seeking their disqualification under the anti-defection law.
- The party argues that the defectors were elected on AAP tickets and their actions are contrary to the law.
- This highlights the ongoing political maneuvering and its implications for legislative integrity.
Background & context
The Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, popularly known as the anti-defection law, was added by the 52nd Amendment Act in 1985. It provides for the disqualification of members of Parliament and State Legislatures on the ground of defection from one party to another. However, it has certain exceptions, such as a split in the party where at least one-third of the members of the legislature party agree to merge with another party or form a new party.
★ Prelims fact capsule
The anti-defection law is enshrined in the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution.
✎ Mains relevance
GS Paper II: Polity, Governance, Legislature, Constitutional Provisions.