The proposed anti-defection act cites independent lawmakers will not lose their parliament seats upon signing up to any political parties.
The first reading of anti-defection law's bill at parliament on Wednesday's sitting was heard by members present. The purpose of the bill is cited to restrain political and financial influence and to reduce floor-crossing of members.
Anti-defection law aims to prevent any under-dealings by political parties to coerce members to pledge fealty or switching sides instantly - which normally results in majority balance fluctuation in the parliament.
However members elected to the parliament without any party attachments will reserve the right to sign up to a political party of their preference. But they will become subjected to the act once they are officially identified as a political party representative or member.
The act furthermore cites members who do not comply to party whip-lines or under probe of disciplinary committees would not lose their parliament seats as well.
The new anti-defection act would also make the political party act's article 16 (b) defunct which cites the members elected to parliament through a political party's ticket will retain their seat even after getting dismissed from the party.
Furthermore Elections Commission is tasked with forming the associated guidelines to the act and should become effective once the act is implemented.
