Manish Tewari Seeks Debate on New Anti-Defection Law in Lok Sabha
UPSC / SSC current affairs note · Polity
Why in news
Congress MP Manish Tewari has submitted an Adjournment Motion notice in the Lok Sabha, urging an immediate debate on a new Anti-Defection Law. This move comes amid concerns over mass political defections driven by opportunism, and aims to protect principled dissent while curbing such defections.
Background
The current Anti-Defection Law is contained in the Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, added by the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985. It provides for the disqualification of legislators who defect from their party, but has been criticized for being inadequate in preventing mass defections and for not protecting principled dissent.
Key facts
Manish Tewari is a Congress Member of Parliament (MP) in the Lok Sabha.
He submitted an Adjournment Motion notice to seek an immediate debate on a new Anti-Defection Law.
The motion urges suspension of regular business to discuss a revised legal framework.
The aim is to curb mass political defections driven by opportunism.
The proposal also seeks to protect principled dissent within political parties.
The current Anti-Defection Law is part of the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.
The Tenth Schedule was added by the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985.
The law provides for disqualification of legislators on grounds of defection.
Prelims pointers
- Anti-Defection Law: Tenth Schedule of Indian Constitution
- 52nd Amendment Act, 1985 added the Tenth Schedule
- Adjournment Motion: A parliamentary device to draw attention to a matter of urgent public importance
- Lok Sabha: Lower House of Indian Parliament
- Manish Tewari: Congress MP
- Disqualification of legislators under Tenth Schedule
Mains angles
- GS2 Polity: Discuss the need for a new Anti-Defection Law in light of recent political defections.
- GS2 Governance: Critically examine the effectiveness of the Tenth Schedule in preventing defections and protecting dissent.
- GS2 Parliament: Analyze the role of Adjournment Motions in parliamentary democracy.