Supreme Court on MLAs Abandoning Seats

Why in news?

The Supreme Court has issued a notice to the Centre and the Election Commission of India on a plea challenging the practice of MLAs resigning their seats to switch parties and contest by-elections at public expense, arguing it violates public trust.

Key points

1. 1Supreme Court sought the Union government's response on a petition concerning MLAs shifting loyalty.
2. 2The plea argues that MLAs cannot abandon their constituents and resign at public expense.
3. 3It challenges a Madras High Court judgment that dismissed a petition against AIADMK MLAs shifting allegiance.
4. 4The petition emphasizes that legislative seats belong to the people, not the elected representative.
5. 5Notice also issued to the Election Commission of India and several former MLAs.

Background & context

This issue relates to the anti-defection laws and the ethical conduct of elected representatives. Past instances of MLAs resigning and contesting by-elections after switching parties have been a recurring concern in Indian politics.