Under which of the following Amendments to the Constitution of India is defection to another party after the election made illegal?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: C
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 3 i.e. 52nd.
The 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act (1985) introduced the Anti-Defection Law to prevent elected members from switching parties after elections.
Key Provision:
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Added Tenth Schedule: Disqualifies MPs/MLAs if they: Voluntarily give up party membership or Vote against party whip (with exceptions).
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Exceptions: Split (1/3rd of party) or merger (2/3rd) allowed initially (later removed for splits).
Impact:
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Curbed political instability but faced criticism for stifling dissent.
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91st Amendment (2003): Strengthened it by banning defectors from holding office and reducing ministry sizes.
Other amendments like 44th or 73rd are unrelated. This law remains pivotal in maintaining party discipline.