Syllabus: GS-II, Subject: Polity, Topic: Elections and RPA, Issue: Political Party system
Why in news:
- Recent defection issues in states like Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh, Uttar Pradesh, and Bihar have raised concerns about the sanctity of political parties.
Key issues:
- Maharashtra’s incident was termed as intra-party dissent and exempted from the Anti-Defection Law.
- As under Tenth Schedule split exemption has been removed in 2003.
- Only mergers with two-thirds majority are exempt from disqualification under the law.
- So to avoid merger Intra-party dissent was used as an excuse.
Conclusion:
- Defections highlight the lack of intra-party democracy.
- A thorough study of party structures and statutory regulations are needed to ensure greater democracy within parties.
- Implement recommendations from the Law Commission (255th report) with respect to political part system.
| +1 Advantage for Mains ( Law Commission 255th report)
Recommendations from the Law Commission (255th report) · Amendments to the Representation of the People Act, 1951 to mandate– o political parties to opt a constitution, o elect an executive committee, o select candidates, o conduct regular elections within the party at every level. · Granting the Election Commission of India the powers to impose monetary penalties or withdraw the registration of a political party in case it failed to comply |
