Anti Defection Law

Anti Defection Law:

-The Anti Defection Law was added via the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985

-The Tenth Schedule popularly known as the Anti Defection Act.

-It was included in the Constitution in 1985 by Rajiv Gandhi Government.

-It amended articles 101, 102, 190, and 191 of the constitution.

-It sets the provisions for disqualification of elected members on the grounds of defection to another political party.

Grounds for disqualification under the Anti Defection Law are:

(1) If an elected member voluntarily gives up his membership of a political party.

(2) If he/she abstains from voting or votes contrary to any direction issued by his political party.

(3) If he/she defects from his/her party to any other party after elections.

(4) An independent member who joins a political party after his/her election.

According to 91st amendment act a defection by one-third of the elected members of a political party was considered a merger.

Such defections is protected by law.