Subject: Indian Polity

The decline in parliamentary debates' quality is evident from the fact that in 2023-2025, only one private member's bill was discussed in Rajya Sabha, while none in Lok Sabha, reflecting diminishing role of individual MPs. The anti-defection law, while aimed at preventing political defections, has inadvertently contributed to this parliamentary deterioration.

Impact of Anti-Defection Law on Parliamentary Democracy

Diminishing Role of Individual MPs

• The law mandates MPs to vote according to party whips, limiting their ability to represent constituency interests independently.
• Only 14 private member's bills have received assent till date, showcasing reduced legislative initiative by individual MPs.
• The constitutional right of MPs to dissent and debate has been curtailed, affecting the essence of deliberative democracy.

Effect on Parliamentary Debates

• MPs are restricted from expressing views contrary to party position, leading to predetermined outcomes in legislative discussions.
• The quality of debates has suffered as party-line voting takes precedence over merit-based arguments.
• The Westminster style parliamentary tradition of informed, reasoned discussion has been compromised.

Unintended Consequences

• The law has shifted power from individual legislators to party leadership, creating a top-down decision-making structure.
• Intra-party democracy has weakened as dissenting voices face the threat of disqualification.
• The original intention of preventing opportunistic defections has evolved into a tool for enforcing party discipline.

Way Forward

• Need for reforms in the 10th Schedule to balance party discipline with democratic deliberation.
• Introduction of mechanisms to allow free voting on non-confidence motions and matters of public importance.
• Strengthening parliamentary committees where MPs can engage in detailed policy discussions without party constraints.

The erosion of individual MP's role demands urgent attention to restore the vitality of parliamentary democracy. While the anti-defection law serves its primary purpose of preventing political instability, its implementation needs refinement to foster constructive parliamentary dialogue and meaningful legislative deliberations, similar to the UK Westminster model of parliamentary democracy.