New Anti-Defection Law Amendment Tabled in Rajya Sabha

The government on Friday introduced the Constitution (Amendment) Bill to strengthen anti-defection provisions in the Rajya Sabha, proposing stricter penalties for lawmakers who switch parties after elections. The bill seeks to address a long-standing loophole that has allowed mass defections under the guise of party mergers.

Proposed Changes

Under the proposed amendment, any legislator who defects will be disqualified and barred from contesting elections for six years, up from the current provision that only prevents them from holding ministerial office. The merger exception, which currently requires one-third of a party's legislators, will now require two-thirds approval and must be ratified by the party's national executive.

The bill also proposes the creation of an independent Anti-Defection Tribunal to adjudicate cases within 90 days, replacing the current system where the Speaker of the House makes the decision. This addresses criticism that Speakers often delay decisions based on political considerations.

"Horse-trading and floor-crossing have made a mockery of the people's mandate. This amendment will restore the sanctity of the electoral process," the Law Minister said while introducing the bill.

Several opposition parties have expressed support for the principle behind the bill but want wider consultations before it is passed. The bill has been referred to a Select Committee, which is expected to submit its report before the next session of Parliament.