GK Question

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Under the Tenth Schedule, a member of a House can be disqualified for defection if they voluntarily give up membership of their party or vote/abstain contrary to party directions without prior permission, unless the party condones the act within ______ days.

Answer: 15

Paragraph 2 of the Tenth Schedule specifies disqualification grounds. If a member votes/abstains contrary to party whip without permission, they can be disqualified unless the party condones the action within 15 days. The 91st Amendment (2003) removed the provision allowing splits (1/3rd members) as an exception, making the law stricter.

Topic Anti-Defection Law
Exam Relevance Procedural detail question for SSC and UPSC; tests application of anti-defection provisions