Q25.The role of individual MPs (Members of Parliament) has diminished over the years and as a result, healthy constructive debates on policy issues are not usually witnessed. How far can this be attributed to the anti-defection law, which was legislated but with a different intention?

The observed decline in the individual role of Members of Parliament and the quality of constructive policy debates is a significant concern for parliamentary democracy.

Anti-Defection Law and its Impact

The Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule), enacted to curb political defections and ensure government stability, inadvertently empowers party whips. It mandates adherence to party lines, thereby restricting individual MPs' freedom to vote or express dissent. This stifles independent legislative scrutiny and deliberation, contributing to a decline in constructive policy debates.

Other Contributing Factors

• Strong party system and party-centric politics.
• Lack of adequate parliamentary time for detailed discussions.
• Increasing complexity of legislation requiring specialized knowledge.
• Rise of coalition politics often demanding strict party discipline.

While essential for political stability and preventing horse-trading, the law has centralized power within parties, diminishing the individual MP's legislative and deliberative role. Thus, its attribution is substantial, though not exclusive. Reforms are needed to empower MPs while maintaining stability, fostering healthier parliamentary discourse.