Anti-Defection Law – Manish Tewari Calls for Lok Sabha Debate on Political Defections
Anti-Defection Law – Congress MP Manish Tewari on Tuesday urged the Lok Sabha to set aside its scheduled proceedings and hold a dedicated discussion on introducing a stronger anti-defection law. He submitted an adjournment motion notice seeking the suspension of Question Hour, Zero Hour, and other listed business, arguing that the growing trend of large-scale political defections driven by opportunism has become a matter of urgent national concern.
Tewari Seeks Fresh Debate on Defection Rules
In a notice addressed to the Secretary-General of the Lok Sabha, Tewari requested that the House pause its routine agenda to deliberate on what he described as the need for a modern legal framework to deal with mass political defections. According to the Congress leader, the proposed legislation should discourage elected representatives from switching political parties for personal or political gain while protecting the right to express genuine ideological differences and principled dissent.
He maintained that a revised anti-defection framework should strike a balance between preserving political stability and ensuring that lawmakers are not prevented from voicing legitimate disagreements inside or outside Parliament and state legislatures. Tewari said such reforms are necessary to strengthen democratic institutions and reinforce public confidence in the electoral process.
Demand for Immediate Parliamentary Discussion
The Congress MP described the issue as one of significant public importance and urged the government to postpone the House’s scheduled business to facilitate a comprehensive debate. He argued that the existing legal provisions require a fresh review in light of changing political realities, particularly the increasing number of legislators changing party affiliations without clear ideological reasons.
His proposal seeks to examine how Parliament can address politically motivated defections while continuing to safeguard democratic freedoms and constructive debate among elected representatives.
Finance Minister to Introduce Key Taxation Bill
Despite the adjournment request, the revised List of Business for Tuesday includes several important legislative items. Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman is scheduled to introduce the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026, in the Lok Sabha.
The proposed legislation aims to amend the Payment and Settlement Systems Act, 2007, the Income-tax Act, 2025, and the Finance Act, 2026. The Finance Minister is expected to seek the House’s permission before formally introducing the Bill.
She will also present an explanatory statement in both English and Hindi detailing the circumstances that led to the promulgation of the Income-tax (Amendment) Ordinance, 2026 (No. 2 of 2026), outlining the reasons behind the government’s decision to enact immediate legal changes through the ordinance route.
House to Consider Financial and Legislative Business
The Lok Sabha is also scheduled to take up discussions on the Demands for Excess Grants for the financial year 2022-23. Following the debate, Sitharaman will introduce the Appropriation (No. 3) Bill, 2026, seeking Parliament’s approval for expenditure that exceeded the originally sanctioned allocations for the financial year ending March 31, 2023.
Apart from financial matters, ministers will present statements on the implementation of recommendations made by various parliamentary standing committees. Union Minister Jitin Prasada will brief the House on actions taken regarding recommendations related to the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade.
Minister of State Chandra Sekhar Pemmasani will report on measures concerning the Department of Land Resources, while Minister of State Bhagirath Choudhary will outline progress on recommendations linked to the Department of Agricultural Research and Education.
Digital Banking Law Also on the Agenda
The House is also expected to consider and pass the Bankers’ Books Evidence Bill, 2026. The proposed legislation seeks to update the legal framework governing banking records by bringing it in line with the requirements of digital banking and modern financial documentation.
The day’s proceedings will additionally include Matters under Rule 377 before the Lok Sabha continues with the remaining legislative business listed on its agenda.