Consider the following statements:
I. If any question arises as to whether a Member of the House of the People has become subject to disqualification under the 10th Schedule, the President’s decision in accordance with the opinion of the Council of Union Ministers shall be final.
II. There is no mention of the word ‘political party’ in the Constitution of India.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.I only
- B.II only
- C.Both I and II
- D.Neither I nor II
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: D. Neither I nor II
The Tenth Schedule of the Constitution, which deals with disqualification on grounds of defection, stipulates that the Presiding Officer of the House (Speaker or Chairman) decides questions of disqualification, not the President. The President acts only on the recommendation of the Speaker/Chairman. Furthermore, the term 'political party' is indeed not explicitly defined in the original Constitution, although it is referred to in the context of the Tenth Schedule concerning defection. The disqualification provisions primarily focus on individual members and their actions in relation to party whips and mandates.
Source: UPSC gs1 2025