{"id":34061,"date":"2026-10-13T07:10:22","date_gmt":"2026-10-13T07:10:22","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?p=34061"},"modified":"2026-10-13T07:14:36","modified_gmt":"2026-10-13T07:14:36","slug":"disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/","title":{"rendered":"Disqualification of a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA): Constitutional and Legal Grounds"},"content":{"rendered":"\n<h2 id=\"h-introduction\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Introduction\"><\/span>Introduction<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) is elected to represent the people of a State in India. The conditions for becoming an MLA and the grounds on which a person may be disqualified from membership are laid down primarily in the Constitution of India, the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and related laws. These provisions ensure that elected representatives remain accountable and that the integrity and dignity of the legislature are protected.<\/p><div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_88 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #0c0c0c;color:#0c0c0c\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 ' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Introduction\" >Introduction<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Constitutional_Grounds_for_Disqualification\" >Constitutional Grounds for Disqualification<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Disqualification_Under_the_Representation_of_the_People_Act_1951\" >Disqualification Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Conviction_for_Certain_Offences_Section_8\" >Conviction for Certain Offences (Section 8)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Corrupt_Practices_in_Elections_Section_8A\" >Corrupt Practices in Elections (Section 8A)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Dismissal_From_Government_Service_Section_9\" >Dismissal From Government Service (Section 9)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Government_Contracts_Section_9A\" >Government Contracts (Section 9A)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Office_in_a_Government_Company_Section_10\" >Office in a Government Company (Section 10)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Failure_to_Lodge_Election_Expenses_Section_10A\" >Failure to Lodge Election Expenses (Section 10A)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#The_Tenth_Schedule_Anti-Defection_Law\" >The Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law)<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Key_Exceptions_No_Disqualification\" >Key Exceptions (No Disqualification)<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Who_Decides_Disqualification\" >Who Decides Disqualification?<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Under_Article_1911\" >Under Article 191(1)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Under_the_Tenth_Schedule_Defection_Anti-Defection_Cases\" >Under the Tenth Schedule (Defection \/ Anti-Defection Cases)<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Under_the_Representation_of_the_People_Act_1951\" >Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Consequences_of_Disqualification\" >Consequences of Disqualification<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Penalty_for_Sitting_or_Voting_While_Disqualified\" >Penalty for Sitting or Voting While Disqualified<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Important_Supreme_Court_Case_Laws\" >Important Supreme Court Case Laws<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Section_84_of_the_Representation_of_the_People_Act_1951\" >Section 8(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Vulnerabilities_in_the_Anti-Defection_Law_in_India\" >Vulnerabilities in the Anti-Defection Law in India<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#Conclusion\" >Conclusion<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-constitutional-grounds-for-disqualification\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Constitutional_Grounds_for_Disqualification\"><\/span>Constitutional Grounds for Disqualification<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Article 191 of the Constitution lays down the basic grounds on which a person is disqualified from being chosen as, or from continuing as, a member of the Legislative Assembly or Legislative Council of a State.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Article 191(1) provides that a person shall be disqualified if he or she:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Holds an office of profit under the Government of India or the Government of any State (other than an office specifically exempted by a law of the State Legislature). The purpose is to prevent a conflict of interest between the duties of a legislator and those of a government office-holder. Ministers are expressly protected by an Explanation and are not considered to hold an office of profit.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is of unsound mind and has been so declared by a competent court.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is an undischarged insolvent (i.e., has been declared bankrupt and has not yet been discharged by the court).<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is not a citizen of India, or has voluntarily acquired the citizenship of a foreign State, or is under any acknowledgment of allegiance or adherence to a foreign State.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Is disqualified by or under any law made by Parliament.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This clause incorporates additional statutory grounds enacted by Parliament, principally those contained in the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (such as conviction for certain offences, corrupt practices, etc.).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Article 191(2) further provides that a person shall also be disqualified if he or she incurs disqualification under the Tenth Schedule (the anti-defection law). This is a distinct and independent ground that operates alongside the grounds listed in clause (1).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-disqualification-under-the-representation-of-the-people-act-1951\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Disqualification_Under_the_Representation_of_the_People_Act_1951\"><\/span>Disqualification Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Apart from the constitutional grounds in Article 191, the Representation of the People Act, 1951 lays down additional statutory grounds of disqualification for membership of Parliament and State Legislatures. The main provisions are:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-conviction-for-certain-offences-section-8\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conviction_for_Certain_Offences_Section_8\"><\/span>Conviction for Certain Offences (Section 8)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A person convicted of specified serious offences (such as promoting enmity, certain sexual offences, corruption, terrorism-related offences, etc.) is disqualified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>If sentenced only to a fine \u2192 disqualified for six years from the date of conviction.<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>If sentenced to imprisonment \u2192 disqualified from the date of conviction and for a further six years after release.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">For any other offence, a sentence of imprisonment of two years or more triggers the same rule: disqualification from the date of conviction plus six years after release.(Note: The earlier three-month grace period for sitting members was struck down by the Supreme Court in Lily Thomas v. Union of India, 2013; disqualification is now immediate.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-corrupt-practices-in-elections-section-8a\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Corrupt_Practices_in_Elections_Section_8A\"><\/span>Corrupt Practices in Elections (Section 8A)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">If a person is found guilty of a corrupt practice by a court in an election petition, the case is referred to the President. The President, acting on the opinion of the Election Commission, decides whether the person should be disqualified and for how long (maximum six years from the date the court order takes effect).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-dismissal-from-government-service-section-9\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Dismissal_From_Government_Service_Section_9\"><\/span>Dismissal From Government Service (Section 9)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A person dismissed from service under the Central or State Government on grounds of corruption or disloyalty to the State is disqualified for five years from the date of dismissal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-government-contracts-section-9a\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Government_Contracts_Section_9A\"><\/span>Government Contracts (Section 9A)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A person who has a subsisting contract with the appropriate government for the supply of goods or for the execution of any works is disqualified for as long as the contract continues.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-office-in-a-government-company-section-10\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Office_in_a_Government_Company_Section_10\"><\/span>Office in a Government Company (Section 10)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Holding the post of managing agent, manager or secretary of a company in which the government holds at least 25% of the share capital leads to disqualification for as long as the person holds that office.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-failure-to-lodge-election-expenses-section-10a\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Failure_to_Lodge_Election_Expenses_Section_10A\"><\/span>Failure to Lodge Election Expenses (Section 10A)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A candidate who fails to submit the account of election expenses within the prescribed time and without a valid reason can be disqualified by the Election Commission for three years.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The prescribed time is 30 days from the date of election of the returned candidate (i.e., the date on which the result is declared).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">This is laid down in Section 78 of the Representation of the People Act, 1951. Every contesting candidate must lodge a true copy of their election expenses account with the District Election Officer within these 30 days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">(If the 30th day falls on a Sunday or public holiday when the office is closed, the account may be lodged on the next working day.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-the-tenth-schedule-anti-defection-law\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"The_Tenth_Schedule_Anti-Defection_Law\"><\/span>The Tenth Schedule (Anti-Defection Law)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Inserted by the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985, the Tenth Schedule prevents MPs and MLAs from defecting for personal or political gain. Its aim is to protect the stability of elected governments and the integrity of the electoral mandate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">A member is disqualified if they:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Voluntarily give up membership of the party on whose ticket they were elected<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Vote or abstain against a party whip without prior permission, and the party does not condone the act within 15 days<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Join a political party after being elected as an independent<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Join a political party more than six months after taking their seat as a nominated member<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-key-exceptions-no-disqualification\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Key_Exceptions_No_Disqualification\"><\/span>Key Exceptions (No Disqualification)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>At least two-thirds of the members of a legislative party agree to merge with another party<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>A member resigns from their party upon being elected Speaker or Chairman<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Speaker (or Chairman) decides questions of disqualification. Following the Supreme Court\u2019s judgment in Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992), these decisions are subject to judicial review by the High Courts and the Supreme Court.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-who-decides-disqualification\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Who_Decides_Disqualification\"><\/span>Who Decides Disqualification?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Disqualification of MLAs is decided by different authorities depending on the ground involved:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-under-article-191-1\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Under_Article_1911\"><\/span>Under Article 191(1)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under Article 191(1) (office of profit, unsound mind, insolvency, loss of citizenship, or other grounds prescribed by Parliament):<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The question is referred to the Governor. Before deciding, the Governor must obtain the opinion of the Election Commission of India and is bound to act according to that opinion (Article 192). The Governor\u2019s decision is final, though it can be challenged in court on limited grounds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-under-the-tenth-schedule-defection-anti-defection-cases\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Under_the_Tenth_Schedule_Defection_Anti-Defection_Cases\"><\/span>Under the Tenth Schedule (Defection \/ Anti-Defection Cases)<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Speaker of the Legislative Assembly (or Chairman of the Legislative Council) decides the matter. Their decision functions as a quasi-judicial tribunal and is subject to judicial review by the High Court and the Supreme Court, as held in Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-under-the-representation-of-the-people-act-1951\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Under_the_Representation_of_the_People_Act_1951\"><\/span>Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under the Representation of the People Act, 1951 (mainly conviction for certain offences): Disqualification is generally automatic once the conviction and sentence meet the legal threshold (for example, imprisonment of two years or more under Section 8). Where a dispute arises, the matter is handled through the constitutional process under Article 192 (Governor acting on the Election Commission\u2019s opinion) or through election petitions and related legal proceedings.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-consequences-of-disqualification\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Consequences_of_Disqualification\"><\/span>Consequences of Disqualification<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Once a member is disqualified under the Tenth Schedule, their seat in the House becomes vacant immediately. They cease to be an MP or MLA from that moment and lose all associated rights and positions, including any ministerial post or committee membership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Under the 91st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2003, a person disqualified for defection cannot be appointed as a Minister (at the Centre or in a State) until they are re-elected to the legislature. This prevents defectors from being rewarded with ministerial positions without facing the electorate again.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Importantly, disqualification under the anti-defection law does not permanently bar the person from contesting elections. They remain free to contest the resulting by-election or any future election. The Supreme Court has clarified that the Speaker or Chairman cannot impose an additional ban on contesting for the remaining term of the House.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-penalty-for-sitting-or-voting-while-disqualified\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Penalty_for_Sitting_or_Voting_While_Disqualified\"><\/span>Penalty for Sitting or Voting While Disqualified<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Article 193 of the Constitution provides that if a person sits or votes in a State Legislature knowing that they are not qualified or are disqualified, they are liable to a penalty of \u20b9500 for each day they do so. This amount is recoverable as a debt due to the State. (A similar provision exists for Parliament under Article 104.)<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-important-supreme-court-case-laws\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Important_Supreme_Court_Case_Laws\"><\/span>Important Supreme Court Case Laws<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Kihoto Hollohan v. Zachillhu (1992), the Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law) and held that the Speaker\u2019s decision on disqualification is subject to judicial review. In Ravi S. Naik v. Union of India (1994), the Court clarified that \u201cvoluntarily giving up membership\u201d of a party can be inferred from a member\u2019s conduct even without a formal resignation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Lily Thomas v. Union of India (2013), the Court struck down Section 8(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951, making disqualification on criminal conviction immediate for sitting MPs and MLAs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h3 id=\"h-section-8-4-of-the-representation-of-the-people-act-1951\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Section_84_of_the_Representation_of_the_People_Act_1951\"><\/span>Section 8(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Section 8(4) of the Representation of the People Act, 1951: Section 8(4) formerly provided that a sitting Member of Parliament (MP) or Member of a State Legislature (MLA), upon conviction for certain offences under Sections 8(1), 8(2) or 8(3), would not incur disqualification for three months from the date of conviction, allowing time to appeal. If an appeal or revision was filed within that period, the protection continued until its disposal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">However, in Lily Thomas v. Union of India (2013), the Supreme Court of India declared Section 8(4) unconstitutional, holding that sitting legislators could not enjoy special protection against disqualification. Consequently, a legislator who incurs disqualification under the applicable provisions is subject to it from the legally prescribed date, and merely filing an appeal does not automatically suspend the disqualification; a court order staying the conviction may affect this consequence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">In Nabam Rebia v. Deputy Speaker (2016), it ruled that a Speaker facing a removal motion cannot decide disqualification petitions, and in Keisham Meghachandra Singh v. Speaker (2020), it directed that such petitions should ordinarily be decided within three months.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-vulnerabilities-in-the-anti-defection-law-in-india\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Vulnerabilities_in_the_Anti-Defection_Law_in_India\"><\/span>Vulnerabilities in the Anti-Defection Law in India<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">The Anti-Defection Law under the Tenth Schedule, inserted by the 52nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1985, sought to end political defections and stabilise legislatures. In practice, however, several structural flaws continue to undermine it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Speakers routinely delay disqualification petitions, often for months or years. When the Speaker belongs to a party locked in the dispute, the risk of bias is obvious. The merger exception in Paragraph 4 still shields any group of two-thirds of a legislature party that joins another party\u2014creating an easy route for engineered defections. Legislators also resign strategically to dodge the law, while bitter fights over who constitutes the \u201creal\u201d party and who may issue a valid whip further erode certainty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Although the one-third split loophole was closed by the 91st Amendment in 2003, the two-thirds merger rule remains wide open to manipulation. Courts have tried to plug the gaps: Kihoto Hollohan (1992) subjected Speaker decisions to judicial review, and Subhash Desai (2023) clarified party identity, legislative strength and the authority to issue whips. Yet judicial correction is slow and case-specific.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">Effective reform requires strict statutory timelines for Speakers, an independent adjudicatory body, tighter merger criteria, and a narrower whip that leaves room for genuine legislative dissent. The core dilemma remains unchanged: how to stop opportunistic defections without extinguishing democratic accountability and the freedom of elected representatives to vote their conscience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<h2 id=\"h-conclusion\" class=\"wp-block-heading\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Conclusion\"><\/span>Conclusion<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<p class=\"wp-block-paragraph\">These disqualification rules protect the honesty, accountability and credibility of democratic institutions. They stop people who do not meet the required standards or who break the law from holding legislative office. The basic idea is simple: the right to represent the people must always follow the Constitution and the law.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-yoast-seo-related-links yoast-seo-related-links\">\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/qualification-of-a-member-of-legislative-assembly-mla\/\">Qualification of a Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA)<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/india-anti-defection-law-voter-supremacy-electoral-mandate-reform\/\">India\u2019s Anti-Defection Law: Why the Voter Must Be Supreme<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/democracy-at-the-mercy-of-constitutional-morality-130th-amendment-act\/\">Democracy at the Mercy of Constitutional Morality; The 130th Amendment Act<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/supreme-court-kapil-sibal-tenth-schedule-merger-exception\/\">Supreme Court Examines Anti-Defection Law: Kapil Sibal Challenges 10th Schedule Merger Exception<\/a><\/li>\n\n\n\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/aaya-ram-gaya-ram-revisited-the-unfinished-business-of-indias-anti-defection-law\/\">Aaya Ram, Gaya Ram Revisited: The Unfinished Business of India&#8217;s Anti-Defection Law<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Introduction A Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) is elected to represent the people of a State in India. The conditions for becoming an MLA and the grounds on which a person may be disqualified from membership are laid down primarily in the Constitution of India, the Representation of the People Act, 1951, and related<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":49,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_bbp_topic_count":0,"_bbp_reply_count":0,"_bbp_total_topic_count":0,"_bbp_total_reply_count":0,"_bbp_voice_count":0,"_bbp_anonymous_reply_count":0,"_bbp_forum_subforum_count":0,"_jetpack_newsletter_access":"","_jetpack_dont_email_post_to_subs":false,"_jetpack_newsletter_tier_id":0,"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paywalled_content":false,"two_page_speed":[],"_jetpack_memberships_contains_paid_content":false,"_joinchat":[],"footnotes":""},"categories":[4984],"tags":[4985],"class_list":["post-34061","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","category-election-law","tag-election-law"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.6 (Yoast SEO v28.6) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Disqualification of a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA): Constitutional and Legal Grounds - Legal Service India - Articles<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Learn the grounds for MLA disqualification in India, anti-defection laws, constitutional provisions and key Supreme Court judgments.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Disqualification of a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA): Constitutional and Legal Grounds\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Learn the grounds for MLA disqualification in India, anti-defection laws, constitutional provisions and key Supreme Court judgments.\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:url\" content=\"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:site_name\" content=\"Legal Service India - Articles\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:publisher\" content=\"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legalservicesind\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:published_time\" content=\"2026-10-13T07:10:22+00:00\" \/>\n<meta property=\"article:modified_time\" content=\"2026-10-13T07:14:36+00:00\" \/>\n<meta name=\"author\" content=\"Md. Imran Wahab\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:card\" content=\"summary_large_image\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:creator\" content=\"@legalserviceind\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:site\" content=\"@legalserviceind\" \/>\n<meta name=\"twitter:label1\" content=\"Written by\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data1\" content=\"Md. Imran Wahab\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:label2\" content=\"Est. reading time\" \/>\n\t<meta name=\"twitter:data2\" content=\"9 minutes\" \/>\n<script type=\"application\/ld+json\" class=\"yoast-schema-graph\">{\"@context\":\"https:\\\/\\\/schema.org\",\"@graph\":[{\"@type\":\"Article\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\\\/#article\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\\\/\"},\"author\":{\"name\":\"Md. Imran Wahab\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/23f17916b2032842e5ccd9cb51dfc156\"},\"headline\":\"Disqualification of a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA): Constitutional and Legal Grounds\",\"datePublished\":\"2026-10-13T07:10:22+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-13T07:14:36+00:00\",\"mainEntityOfPage\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\\\/\"},\"wordCount\":1980,\"commentCount\":0,\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#organization\"},\"keywords\":[\"Election Law\"],\"articleSection\":[\"Election Law\"],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"CommentAction\",\"name\":\"Comment\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\\\/#respond\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"WebPage\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\\\/\",\"name\":\"Disqualification of a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA): Constitutional and Legal Grounds - Legal Service India - Articles\",\"isPartOf\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#website\"},\"datePublished\":\"2026-10-13T07:10:22+00:00\",\"dateModified\":\"2026-10-13T07:14:36+00:00\",\"description\":\"Learn the grounds for MLA disqualification in India, anti-defection laws, constitutional provisions and key Supreme Court judgments.\",\"breadcrumb\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\\\/#breadcrumb\"},\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"ReadAction\",\"target\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\\\/\"]}]},{\"@type\":\"BreadcrumbList\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\\\/#breadcrumb\",\"itemListElement\":[{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":1,\"name\":\"Home\",\"item\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/\"},{\"@type\":\"ListItem\",\"position\":2,\"name\":\"Election Law > MLA Disqualification in India: Constitutional Grounds and Anti-Defection Law\"}]},{\"@type\":\"WebSite\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#website\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/\",\"name\":\"Legal Service India - Law Articles\",\"description\":\"Legal Service India - Law Article Directory is the oldest in India since 2000, with thousands of article written by lawyers, law Students and Scholars on all branches of law\",\"publisher\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#organization\"},\"potentialAction\":[{\"@type\":\"SearchAction\",\"target\":{\"@type\":\"EntryPoint\",\"urlTemplate\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/?s={search_term_string}\"},\"query-input\":{\"@type\":\"PropertyValueSpecification\",\"valueRequired\":true,\"valueName\":\"search_term_string\"}}],\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\"},{\"@type\":\"Organization\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#organization\",\"name\":\"Legal Service India\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/\",\"logo\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/logo-circle-1.png\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/2025\\\/06\\\/logo-circle-1.png\",\"width\":105,\"height\":95,\"caption\":\"Legal Service India\"},\"image\":{\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/logo\\\/image\\\/\"},\"sameAs\":[\"https:\\\/\\\/www.facebook.com\\\/legalservicesind\",\"https:\\\/\\\/x.com\\\/legalserviceind\",\"https:\\\/\\\/www.youtube.com\\\/@LegalServiceIndia-lsi\"]},{\"@type\":\"Person\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/#\\\/schema\\\/person\\\/23f17916b2032842e5ccd9cb51dfc156\",\"name\":\"Md. Imran Wahab\",\"image\":{\"@type\":\"ImageObject\",\"inLanguage\":\"en-US\",\"@id\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/avatars\\\/49\\\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/avatars\\\/49\\\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg\",\"contentUrl\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/wp-content\\\/uploads\\\/avatars\\\/49\\\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg\",\"caption\":\"Md. Imran Wahab\"},\"description\":\"Md. Imran Wahab, a distinguished 2004-batch Indian Police Service officer, has dedicated over 32 years to public service, holding various senior managerial positions within the West Bengal Police force. His career has spanned diverse roles across different districts, including Kolkata Police, serving as DCP, 5th Battalion, Kolkata Armed Police and DCP (Port Division), for approximately 4 years. He served in Barrackpore Police Commissionerate, holding the positions of DCP (Special Branch) and DCP (Traffic) for over 4 years. He was posted in the districts of Dakshin Dinajpur and Nadia as Additional SP. At the sub-divisional level, he has worked as SDPOs of Gangarampur, Raghunathpur and Kalna sub-divisions of West Bengal. His tenure as Special IG and subsequently as IGP of Correctional Services, West Bengal, for over 4 years, saw him deeply engaged in improving the prison and correctional system. He visited numerous correctional homes across West Bengal, interacting with inmates, both male and female, including children residing with their incarcerated mothers. His outreach extended to correctional homes in Assam, Bihar, and Tripura. This hands-on approach provided him with invaluable insights into the workings of prisons and the complexities of the prisoner psyche. Beyond his operational roles, Md. Imran Wahab possesses a strong academic background, holding B.Sc., M.A., L.L.B., and M.B.A. degrees. He has also completed Post Graduate Diplomas in Human Rights, Project Management, Corporate Management, Computer Application, Public Administration, Medical Law, Disaster Management, Fire Safety &amp; Hazards Management and Psychology. He has attended Indian government sponsored specialized training in police and management matters in SVPNPA, Hyderabad, IIM, Ahmedabad and Singapore. He is the author of the books 'Police Investigation &amp; Allied Matters' and 'Alternative Dispute Resolution: Evolving Trends and Innovations' demonstrating his commitment to knowledge sharing within the law enforcement field. As an observer for the Election Commission of India, he has gained firsthand experience in conducting assembly elections and bye-elections in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, Bihar, and Tripura (twice). This exposure has given him a deep understanding of election management and the Election Commission's operations. He has also served as Chairman and as a member of various recruitment boards for the selection of police personnel in Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police. Md. Imran Wahab's interests extend beyond law enforcement to include law, politics, international affairs, prison management, and business management. He has authored over 1000 articles on these diverse topics, reflecting his intellectual curiosity and desire to contribute to public discourse. He is also a research scholar in law and has contributed articles to the Indian Police Journal, National Crime Record Bureau Journal, SVP National Police Academy Journal, and International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research etc. Currently, he serves as IGP, Provisioning, West Bengal.\",\"url\":\"https:\\\/\\\/www.legalserviceindia.com\\\/Legal-Articles\\\/author\\\/md-imranwahab\\\/\"}]}<\/script>\n<!-- \/ Yoast SEO Premium plugin. -->","yoast_head_json":{"title":"Disqualification of a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA): Constitutional and Legal Grounds - Legal Service India - Articles","description":"Learn the grounds for MLA disqualification in India, anti-defection laws, constitutional provisions and key Supreme Court judgments.","robots":{"index":"index","follow":"follow","max-snippet":"max-snippet:-1","max-image-preview":"max-image-preview:large","max-video-preview":"max-video-preview:-1"},"canonical":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/","og_locale":"en_US","og_type":"article","og_title":"Disqualification of a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA): Constitutional and Legal Grounds","og_description":"Learn the grounds for MLA disqualification in India, anti-defection laws, constitutional provisions and key Supreme Court judgments.","og_url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/","og_site_name":"Legal Service India - Articles","article_publisher":"https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legalservicesind","article_published_time":"2026-10-13T07:10:22+00:00","article_modified_time":"2026-10-13T07:14:36+00:00","author":"Md. Imran Wahab","twitter_card":"summary_large_image","twitter_creator":"@legalserviceind","twitter_site":"@legalserviceind","twitter_misc":{"Written by":"Md. Imran Wahab","Est. reading time":"9 minutes"},"schema":{"@context":"https:\/\/schema.org","@graph":[{"@type":"Article","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#article","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/"},"author":{"name":"Md. Imran Wahab","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#\/schema\/person\/23f17916b2032842e5ccd9cb51dfc156"},"headline":"Disqualification of a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA): Constitutional and Legal Grounds","datePublished":"2026-10-13T07:10:22+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-13T07:14:36+00:00","mainEntityOfPage":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/"},"wordCount":1980,"commentCount":0,"publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#organization"},"keywords":["Election Law"],"articleSection":["Election Law"],"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"CommentAction","name":"Comment","target":["https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#respond"]}]},{"@type":"WebPage","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/","name":"Disqualification of a Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA): Constitutional and Legal Grounds - Legal Service India - Articles","isPartOf":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#website"},"datePublished":"2026-10-13T07:10:22+00:00","dateModified":"2026-10-13T07:14:36+00:00","description":"Learn the grounds for MLA disqualification in India, anti-defection laws, constitutional provisions and key Supreme Court judgments.","breadcrumb":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#breadcrumb"},"inLanguage":"en-US","potentialAction":[{"@type":"ReadAction","target":["https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/"]}]},{"@type":"BreadcrumbList","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/disqualification-of-a-member-of-the-legislative-assembly-mla-constitutional-and-legal-grounds\/#breadcrumb","itemListElement":[{"@type":"ListItem","position":1,"name":"Home","item":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/"},{"@type":"ListItem","position":2,"name":"Election Law > MLA Disqualification in India: Constitutional Grounds and Anti-Defection Law"}]},{"@type":"WebSite","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#website","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/","name":"Legal Service India - Law Articles","description":"Legal Service India - Law Article Directory is the oldest in India since 2000, with thousands of article written by lawyers, law Students and Scholars on all branches of law","publisher":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#organization"},"potentialAction":[{"@type":"SearchAction","target":{"@type":"EntryPoint","urlTemplate":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/?s={search_term_string}"},"query-input":{"@type":"PropertyValueSpecification","valueRequired":true,"valueName":"search_term_string"}}],"inLanguage":"en-US"},{"@type":"Organization","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#organization","name":"Legal Service India","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/","logo":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/logo-circle-1.png","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/06\/logo-circle-1.png","width":105,"height":95,"caption":"Legal Service India"},"image":{"@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#\/schema\/logo\/image\/"},"sameAs":["https:\/\/www.facebook.com\/legalservicesind","https:\/\/x.com\/legalserviceind","https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@LegalServiceIndia-lsi"]},{"@type":"Person","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/#\/schema\/person\/23f17916b2032842e5ccd9cb51dfc156","name":"Md. Imran Wahab","image":{"@type":"ImageObject","inLanguage":"en-US","@id":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/avatars\/49\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/avatars\/49\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg","contentUrl":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-content\/uploads\/avatars\/49\/1777837060-bpfull.jpg","caption":"Md. Imran Wahab"},"description":"Md. Imran Wahab, a distinguished 2004-batch Indian Police Service officer, has dedicated over 32 years to public service, holding various senior managerial positions within the West Bengal Police force. His career has spanned diverse roles across different districts, including Kolkata Police, serving as DCP, 5th Battalion, Kolkata Armed Police and DCP (Port Division), for approximately 4 years. He served in Barrackpore Police Commissionerate, holding the positions of DCP (Special Branch) and DCP (Traffic) for over 4 years. He was posted in the districts of Dakshin Dinajpur and Nadia as Additional SP. At the sub-divisional level, he has worked as SDPOs of Gangarampur, Raghunathpur and Kalna sub-divisions of West Bengal. His tenure as Special IG and subsequently as IGP of Correctional Services, West Bengal, for over 4 years, saw him deeply engaged in improving the prison and correctional system. He visited numerous correctional homes across West Bengal, interacting with inmates, both male and female, including children residing with their incarcerated mothers. His outreach extended to correctional homes in Assam, Bihar, and Tripura. This hands-on approach provided him with invaluable insights into the workings of prisons and the complexities of the prisoner psyche. Beyond his operational roles, Md. Imran Wahab possesses a strong academic background, holding B.Sc., M.A., L.L.B., and M.B.A. degrees. He has also completed Post Graduate Diplomas in Human Rights, Project Management, Corporate Management, Computer Application, Public Administration, Medical Law, Disaster Management, Fire Safety &amp; Hazards Management and Psychology. He has attended Indian government sponsored specialized training in police and management matters in SVPNPA, Hyderabad, IIM, Ahmedabad and Singapore. He is the author of the books 'Police Investigation &amp; Allied Matters' and 'Alternative Dispute Resolution: Evolving Trends and Innovations' demonstrating his commitment to knowledge sharing within the law enforcement field. As an observer for the Election Commission of India, he has gained firsthand experience in conducting assembly elections and bye-elections in Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan, Assam, Bihar, and Tripura (twice). This exposure has given him a deep understanding of election management and the Election Commission's operations. He has also served as Chairman and as a member of various recruitment boards for the selection of police personnel in Kolkata Police and West Bengal Police. Md. Imran Wahab's interests extend beyond law enforcement to include law, politics, international affairs, prison management, and business management. He has authored over 1000 articles on these diverse topics, reflecting his intellectual curiosity and desire to contribute to public discourse. He is also a research scholar in law and has contributed articles to the Indian Police Journal, National Crime Record Bureau Journal, SVP National Police Academy Journal, and International Journal for Multidisciplinary Research etc. Currently, he serves as IGP, Provisioning, West Bengal.","url":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/author\/md-imranwahab\/"}]}},"jetpack_sharing_enabled":true,"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34061","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/49"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=34061"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34061\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":34197,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/34061\/revisions\/34197"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=34061"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=34061"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.legalserviceindia.com\/Legal-Articles\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=34061"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}