The Anti-Defection Law is an act of the Parliament of India that was enacted in 1985. The law was passed in an effort to prevent defections from political parties and to ensure the stability of governments. The law defines defection as the act of a member of a political party voluntarily giving up his or her membership of that party or voting in the legislature against the party’s whip on a matter of confidence or a matter of policy.
The law provides for the disqualification of a member of the legislature who defects from his or her party. The disqualification can be challenged in the courts. The law also provides for the imposition of a fine on a member who defects.
The Anti-Defection Law has been controversial since its inception. Critics of the law argue that it is undemocratic and that it stifles dissent. They argue that the law gives too much power to the party leadership and that it prevents members of the legislature from representing the interests of their constituents.
Proponents of the law argue that it is necessary to ensure the stability of governments and to prevent horse-trading. They argue that the law protects the interests of the voters and that it ensures that the elected representatives are accountable to the people.
The Anti-Defection Law has been invoked on a number of occasions since its enactment. In some cases, the law has been used to disqualify members of the legislature who have defected from their parties. In other cases, the law has been used to impose fines on members who have defected.
The Anti-Defection Law has had a significant impact on Indian politics. The law has helped to prevent defections from political parties and has ensured the stability of governments. The law has also helped to protect the interests of the voters and to ensure that the elected representatives are accountable to the people.
Frequently Asked Questions
- What is the Anti-Defection Law?
The Anti-Defection Law is an act of the Parliament of India that was enacted in 1985. The law was passed in an effort to prevent defections from political parties and to ensure the stability of governments.
- What does the Anti-Defection Law define as defection?
The Anti-Defection Law defines defection as the act of a member of a political party voluntarily giving up his or her membership of that party or voting in the legislature against the party’s whip on a matter of confidence or a matter of policy.
- What are the consequences of defection under the Anti-Defection Law?
The Anti-Defection Law provides for the disqualification of a member of the legislature who defects from his or her party. The disqualification can be challenged in the courts. The law also provides for the imposition of a fine on a member who defects.
- What has been the impact of the Anti-Defection Law on Indian politics?
The Anti-Defection Law has had a significant impact on Indian politics. The law has helped to prevent defections from political parties and has ensured the stability of governments. The law has also helped to protect the interests of the voters and to ensure that the elected representatives are accountable to the people.
MCQs
The Anti-Defection Law was enacted in:
(a) 1985
(b) 1990
(c) 1995
(d) 2000The Anti-Defection Law was passed in an effort to:
(a) Prevent defections from political parties
(b) Ensure the stability of governments
(c) Protect the interests of the voters
(d) All of the aboveThe Anti-Defection Law defines defection as:
(a) The act of a member of a political party voluntarily giving up his or her membership of that party
(b) The act of a member of a political party voting in the legislature against the party’s whip on a matter of confidence or a matter of policy
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the aboveThe consequences of defection under the Anti-Defection Law include:
(a) Disqualification of the member from the legislature
(b) Imposition of a fine on the member
(c) Both (a) and (b)
(d) None of the aboveThe Anti-Defection Law has had a significant impact on Indian politics by:
(a) Preventing defections from political parties
(b) Ensuring the stability of governments
(c) Protecting the interests of the voters
(d) All of the above