Q. Which among the following is/are not the benefits of anti-defection law?
1. Provided distinction between an independent member and a nominated member.
2. Facilitates democratic realignment of parties in the legislature.
3. Gives constitutional recognition to the existence of political parties.
4. Differentiates between dissent and defection.
Select the correct answer using the code given below:
Exp) Option c is the correct answer
Option 2 and 3 are correct. The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution is designed to prevent the evil or mischief of political defections motivated by the lure of office or material benefits or other similar considerations. The following can be cited as the advantages of the anti-defection law:
- Provides for greater stability in the body politic by checking the propensity of legislators to change parties.
- Facilitates democratic realignment of parties in the legislature by way of merger of parties. • Reduces corruption at the political level as well as non- developmental expenditure incurred on irregular elections.
- Gives, for the first time, a clear-cut constitutional recognition to the existence of political parties.
Option 1 and 4 are incorrect. The anti-defection law does not make a differentiation between dissent and defection. It curbs the legislator’s right to dissent and freedom of conscience. Its discrimination between an independent member and a nominated member is illogical. If the former joins a party, he is disqualified while the latter is allowed to do the same. It also does not provide for the expulsion of a legislator from his party for his activities outside the legislature.
