The Tenth Schedule: India's anti-defection law
The Tenth Schedule, added by the 52nd Constitutional Amendment in 1985, sets out grounds for disqualification of legislators on grounds of defection, subject to its provisions.
The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution contains India's anti-defection provisions. It was added by the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985, and describes circumstances in which members of Parliament or state legislatures may be disqualified for defection.
What the law addresses
The Tenth Schedule sets out grounds for disqualification connected to a member leaving a political party or voting contrary to specified party directions, subject to the text and its exceptions. It applies to members of Parliament and state legislatures under the constitutional framework.
Why the details matter
Anti-defection questions often simplify the law to a single slogan. The actual schedule includes conditions, exceptions and a decision-making process. The presiding officer's role and court decisions have affected how the provisions operate, so a current legal dispute needs the schedule, relevant judgments and latest orders.
Static GK versus a live case
For an exam fact, remember the Tenth Schedule and the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985. For a particular member's status, do not infer disqualification merely from a political statement or news headline; check official proceedings and any court decision.
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Frequently asked questions
Which schedule contains the anti-defection law?
The Tenth Schedule.
Which amendment added the Tenth Schedule?
The Constitution (Fifty-second Amendment) Act, 1985.