---
title: "Tenth Schedule: India's Anti-Defection Law | Model Diplomat"
description: "The Tenth Schedule disqualifies Indian legislators who switch parties or defy a whip, ensuring party discipline and stability in governance."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/tenth-schedule-anti-defection-law"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The Tenth Schedule of the Indian Constitution disqualifies legislators who voluntarily give up party membership or defy a party whip, and is administered by the presiding officer.
- Who decides disqualification under the Tenth Schedule, and is that decision final?
- How did the Ninety-first Amendment of 2003 change the Tenth Schedule?
- What is the difference between a 'split' and a 'merger' under the Schedule?
- Why is the absence of a time limit for the Speaker's decision controversial?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

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In July 2019, Karnataka Assembly Speaker K. R. Ramesh Kumar disqualified 17 Congress and JD(S) MLAs under the Tenth Schedule after their resignations toppled the H. D. Kumaraswamy coalition government.

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