Question 33 from UPSC CSE 2014 - POLITY

Question

Which one of the following Schedules of the Constitution of India contains provisions regarding anti-defection?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. Tenth Schedule

Strategy: Focus on the direct link between the anti-defection law and its corresponding constitutional schedule. Eliminate schedules covering unrelated topics such as salaries, tribal administration, and languages. The correct schedule is the one that explicitly deals with disqualification due to defection.

Key Info: The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution of India, popularly known as the 'Anti-Defection Law,' was added by the 52nd Amendment Act, 1985. It sets out the process for disqualifying legislators on the grounds of defection. The schedule details provisions for the disqualification of members of Parliament and State Legislatures, the decision-making authority (typically the Speaker or Chairman), and exceptions such as mergers.

**Other Constitutional Schedules**

- Second Schedule: Provisions regarding salaries and allowances of officials such as the President, Judges, CAG, etc.
- Fifth Schedule: Administration and control of Scheduled Areas and Scheduled Tribes.
- Eighth Schedule: List of official languages of India.

The Tenth Schedule is exclusively dedicated to the anti-defection mechanism, aiming to promote political stability and legislative integrity.

Answer

Option A: Second Schedule

Answer

Option B: Fifth Schedule

Answer

Option C: Eighth Schedule