Defections in Legislative Assemblies have become a major issue, with ruling parties, especially the BJP, encouraging them to strengthen their support.
Defections often involve Speakers from the ruling party delaying disqualification petitions against defectors, allowing them to remain in power.
Instances in Manipur, Maharashtra, and Telangana highlight mass defections after elections, undermining democratic processes.
The SC has ruled that while it can’t dictate a Speaker’s decision, it can require decisions within a reasonable timeframe.
A 2023 judgment emphasized Speakers’ impartiality, setting deadlines for decision-making, but issues persist due to political biases.
The Court had suggested creating an independent tribunal instead of relying solely on the Speaker, but Parliament has not acted on this.
The problem of defections continues because voters rarely penalize politicians who switch parties, allowing the practice to thrive.
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