RAS question
Which Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with the anti-defection law?
Correct answer: (C) Tenth Schedule.
The Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution deals with disqualification on the ground of defection, commonly called the anti-defection law.
Explanation
The anti-defection law is housed in the Tenth Schedule, not in the schedules dealing with languages, local government, or protected laws. The official Constitution text lists the Tenth Schedule as "Provisions as to disqualification on ground of defection" and links it to Articles 102(2) and 191(2), which concern disqualification of members of Parliament and State Legislatures. Paragraph 2 states when a member of a House belonging to a political party may be disqualified, including voluntarily giving up party membership or voting or abstaining contrary to the party's direction without permission. The Constitution (Fifty-second Amendment) Act, 1985 added the Tenth Schedule.
Why the other options are wrong
- (A) The Eighth Schedule is listed for languages, so it does not govern disqualification of legislators on grounds of defection.
- (B) The Eleventh Schedule deals with the powers, authority and responsibilities of Panchayats, not anti-defection disqualification.
- (D) The Ninth Schedule concerns validation of certain Acts and Regulations, whereas defection-based disqualification is placed in the Tenth Schedule.
Concept
This tests the Constitution's schedules, especially the mapping between numbered schedules and their subject matter. RAS repeatedly asks such items because polity questions often turn on exact constitutional placement, not just a broad idea of the topic.