The Union Public Service Commission (UPSC) is India’s premier central recruiting agency responsible for conducting various competitive examinations to select the best candidates for various government services.
UPSC Current Affairs is an important section of the Civil Services Examination, which tests the candidates’ knowledge of current events, both national and international. In this blog, we will discuss the Disqualification of Member of Parliament and how it is relevant to UPSC Exam Preparation.
How Important is UPSC Current Affairs Preparation?
UPSC Current Affairs is an essential component of the Civil Services Examination as it covers various topics related to national and international events, which are important for a future administrator. It is crucial to stay updated with current events and issues to understand the current scenario of the country and the world.
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Disqualification of Member of Parliament
The Disqualification of Member of Parliament is a critical topic in UPSC Current Affairs as it is related to the functioning of the Indian Parliament. A Member of Parliament can be disqualified under various circumstances mentioned in the Constitution of India. Some of the common grounds for disqualification include holding an office of profit under the government, defection to another party, and unsoundness of mind.
- Office of Profit: Holding an office of profit under the government is one of the most common grounds for disqualification of a Member of Parliament. The Constitution of India provides a detailed explanation of what constitutes an office of profit, and the disqualification applies to both elected and nominated MPs.
- Defection: Defection refers to the act of a member of a political party leaving their party to join another party or form a new party. The Anti-Defection Law, which was passed in 1985, aims to prevent defection and maintain the stability of the government. An MP can be disqualified for defection under this law.
- Unsoundness of Mind: An MP can be disqualified if they are declared to be of unsound mind by a competent court.
- Judicial Interpretation: Over the years, several judicial pronouncements have interpreted and clarified the provisions related to the disqualification of MPs. These judgments have played a crucial role in defining the scope and limits of the disqualification provisions and have had significant implications for the functioning of the Indian Parliament.
- Recent Instances: There have been several instances of disqualification of MPs in recent years, including the disqualification of 20 AAP MLAs in Delhi in 2018 for holding an office of profit, and the disqualification of 18 AIADMK MLAs in Tamil Nadu in 2017 for defecting to the opposition party. These instances highlight the importance of understanding the provisions related to the disqualification of MPs.
Overall, the Disqualification of members of Parliament is a critical topic for UPSC aspirants, and they must have a sound understanding of the relevant provisions and their interpretation. It is also essential to stay updated with the latest developments and controversies related to this topic to prepare effectively for the UPSC exam.
UPSC Notes on Disqualification of Member of Parliament
The UPSC syllabus covers the Disqualification of Member of Parliament in detail under the Indian Polity section. The candidates are expected to have a sound understanding of the relevant provisions of the Constitution and the various judgments related to the disqualification of MPs. The candidates should also be aware of the recent instances of disqualification of MPs and the controversies surrounding them.
Here are some additional points that can be added to UPSC Notes on Disqualification of Member of Parliament:
- Constitutional Provisions: The provisions related to the disqualification of Members of Parliament are primarily mentioned in Article 102 and Article 191 of the Constitution of India. These articles lay down the grounds for disqualification and the process for disqualification.
- Speaker’s Role: The Speaker of the Lok Sabha or the Legislative Assembly has the power to decide on disqualification petitions under the anti-defection law. However, their decisions can be challenged in the courts if there are grounds for appeal.
- Recent Amendments: In 2020, the Parliament passed the Representation of the People (Amendment) Bill, which allowed non-resident Indians (NRIs) to vote in Indian elections. However, the amendment also introduced a new provision that disqualifies an NRI from being a Member of Parliament if they are absent from the House proceedings for a period of 60 days without permission.
- Impact on Government Stability: The disqualification of Members of Parliament can have a significant impact on the stability of the government. If the ruling party loses its majority due to the disqualification of MPs, it can lead to the collapse of the government or the need for re-election.
- Role of Judiciary: The judiciary has played a crucial role in interpreting and clarifying the provisions related to the disqualification of MPs. In several instances, the courts have upheld the Speaker’s decision on disqualification or struck it down, depending on the facts and circumstances of the case.
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Overall, a sound understanding of the constitutional provisions, the Speaker’s role, recent amendments, the impact on government stability, and the judiciary’s role is essential to prepare well for the UPSC exam regarding the Disqualification of Member of Parliament.
UPSC Exam Preparation Tips
To prepare for the UPSC exam, candidates must read newspapers, magazines, and other relevant sources regularly to stay updated with the latest events and issues. It is essential to make notes on important topics and revise them regularly. Candidates should also practice writing answers to previous year’s question papers and mock tests to enhance their writing and analytical skills.
Conclusion
In conclusion, UPSC Current Affairs Preparation is a critical aspect of the Civil Services Examination, and candidates should focus on developing a strong understanding of the Disqualification of Member of Parliament.
They should also keep themselves updated with the latest events and issues and practice writing answers to enhance their writing and analytical skills. With dedication and hard work, candidates can ace the UPSC exam and fulfill their dream of serving the country.
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