ANTI DEFECTION LAW AND ITS IMPACT ON DEMOCRACY
AUTHOR – SALONI VINOD ALLADWAR, STUDENT AT DECCAN EDUCATION SOCIETY SHRI NAVALMAL FIRODIA LAW COLLEGE, PUNE
BEST CITATION – SALONI VINOD ALLADWAR, ANTI DEFECTION LAW AND ITS IMPACT ON DEMOCRACY, INDIAN JOURNAL OF LEGAL REVIEW (IJLR), 5 (1) OF 2025, PG. 412-417, APIS – 3920 – 0001 & ISSN – 2583-2344.
Abstract
Unraveling the Threads of Democracy: Navigating the Impact of Anti-Defection Laws – Balancing Stability and Representation. The Anti-Defection Law, a crucial component of many democracies, emerged in response to political instability caused by frequent party-hopping among elected representatives. Originating from concerns about floor-crossing and its implications for government stability, these laws were designed to enforce party discipline and curb opportunistic political maneuvers. As of in January 2022, Anti-Defection Laws are still prevalent in many democracies. These laws aim to prevent elected representatives from switching parties, promoting political stability. However, debates persist on whether these laws strike the right balance between party discipline and individual autonomy. For the current status, it is advised to refer to the latest legal and political developments in specific countries. The Anti-Defection Law, present in many democracies, aims to prevent elected representatives from switching parties to maintain political stability. While it promotes party discipline, critics argue that it may limit individual autonomy and dissent, raising concerns about its impact on democratic principles. The ongoing debate revolves around striking a balance between stability and representation. It revolves around assessing the impact of Anti-Defection Laws on democracy, which includes evaluating the balance between party discipline and individual representation, exploring the effects on political stability, and examining potential challenges or benefits to democratic principles arising from the implementation of such laws. The enforcement of Anti-Defection Laws is likely to enhance party discipline but may lead to a reduction in individual representation, The hypothesis aims to test the delicate balance between party cohesion and democratic principles in the context of Anti-Defection Laws. Reform is to introduce a more nuanced and transparent system. This could involve allowing elected representatives greater autonomy on matters of conscience or critical policy differences while maintaining party loyalty on votes of confidence and foundational issues. Examining the impact of Anti-Defection Laws on democracy by assessing party discipline, evaluating individual representation, and proposing reforms for a balanced democratic system.
Key Words– Anti-Defection, Democracy, Principles, Representation, Stability.