Supreme Court Slams Anti-Defection Law Delays: Telangana Speaker Gets Ultimatum

The Supreme Court on Thursday, July 31, 2025, expressed serious concern over the protracted delays in disqualification proceedings under the Tenth Schedule (anti-defection law). The court highlighted the systemic issues plaguing the process, urging Parliament to undertake a comprehensive review.

The apex court’s criticism was particularly sharp regarding the Telangana Assembly Speaker’s handling of pending cases against defecting MLAs. A three-month deadline has been issued for the Speaker to conclude these proceedings.

The judgment underscored the need for swift action to maintain the integrity of the legislative process and prevent political instability caused by frequent defections. The Court deemed the existing mechanisms inadequate, citing numerous instances of prolonged delays undermining the spirit of the anti-defection law.

This landmark ruling has significant implications for the political landscape across the country. The pressure is now on Parliament to reform the anti-defection law, ensuring its effective implementation and preventing further erosion of public faith in democratic processes. The three-month deadline for the Telangana Speaker serves as a crucial test case for the effectiveness of the Supreme Court’s intervention.