Anti-defection law: Supreme Court ready to hear plea for its interpretation

The Supreme Court issued notice to the Centre after agreeing to hear a plea for interpretation of the anti-defection law (10th Schedule).

Kapil Sibal argued that electoral verdicts can be altered through the merger provision, making a majority become a minority.

The court noted there are 'enormous issues' with the 10th Schedule's working but suggested the matter should be raised in Parliament.

The 10th Schedule's fourth paragraph allows mergers without disqualification if two-thirds of the legislature party agrees.

Sibal cited defection and merger instances affecting parties like Sena UBT and TMC, and Sena UBT has separately challenged the Lok Sabha Speaker's decision.