Kathmandu— Congress Member of Parliament (MP) Manish Tewari submitted an Adjournment Motion notice in the Lok Sabha on Monday, urging immediate discussion on a new Anti-Defection Law. The proposed law aims to prevent mass political defections driven by opportunism while safeguarding the right for principled dissent.

Proposed Legal Framework

In his notice addressed to the Lok Sabha Secretary-General, Tewari requested that Question Hour, Zero Hour, and all other listed business of the day be suspended. This would allow lawmakers to deliberate on a revised legal framework that proscribes mass political defections motivated by opportunism while ensuring space for honest dissent both inside and outside Parliament.

Tewari emphasized the urgent need to strike a balance between curbing floor-crossing driven by personal gain and protecting the constitutional rights of elected representatives to express principled opposition.

Background on Anti-Defection Law

The Tenth Schedule, also known as the anti-defection law, was introduced through the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act in 1985. This legislation provides for the disqualification of lawmakers who switch parties or defect from their original party affiliation. The law applies to members of Parliament and state legislatures under Articles 102(2) and 191(2) of the Constitution.

(With inputs from ANI)

Originally published on abcnews.com.np.