Q1. The Anti-Defection Law was introduced through which Constitutional Amendment?
- 42nd Amendment Act, 1976
- 44th Amendment Act, 1978
- 52nd Amendment Act, 1985
- 61st Amendment Act, 1989
Correct Option: 3. 52nd Amendment Act, 1985.
Explanation: The Anti-Defection Law was enacted through the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985, which added the Tenth Schedule to the Constitution to prevent political defections by legislators.
Q2. What is the primary objective of the Anti-Defection Law?
- To regulate political funding
- To limit the number of ministers
- To remove corruption from the judiciary
- To curb political defections and promote political stability
Correct Option: 4. To curb political defections and promote political stability.
Explanation: The law seeks to address the rampant switching of parties by elected representatives which could destabilize elected governments.
Q3. A legislator belonging to a political party can be disqualified under the Anti-Defection Law if they:
- Vote according to party directions
- Resign from the party voluntarily
- Speak against the government
- Become a minister
Correct Option: 2. Resign from the party voluntarily.
Explanation: Under the Tenth Schedule, a member voluntarily giving up membership of their party or voting/abstaining against party direction without permission may be disqualified.
Q4. Which category of member is allowed to join a political party within six months of taking their seat?
- Nominated member
- Party member
- Expelled member
- Independent member
Correct Option: 1. Nominated member.
Explanation: A nominated member can join any political party within six months of taking their seat without attracting disqualification under the law.
Q5. What change did the 91st Amendment Act, 2003 make to the Anti-Defection Law?
- Allowed splits by one-third members
- Introduced NOTA
- Deleted the provision of exemption in case of splits
- Legalized floor crossing
Correct Option: 3. Deleted the provision of exemption in case of splits.
Explanation: The 91st Amendment Act removed the exemption that allowed one-third of a party’s legislators to defect without disqualification.