TMC, Shiv Sena and Anti-Defection Law: Reconsider the Tenth Schedule

The Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution, enacted in 1985 to prevent defections and protect party discipline, has been challenged for suppressing democratic debate. Despite its stated objective of upholding political morality and loyalty, it has been criticized for hindering intra-party dissent and potentially stifling genuine political change. The article argues that the Tenth Schedule's high threshold for split and merger is ineffective in preventing defections and instead fosters a culture of high command control within parties, leaving elected representatives vulnerable to poaching by opposing parties. The author suggests re-evaluating the Tenth Schedule and considering its complete abolition for a more mature and accountable political system.