Top suggestions for However, experts say that, according to the 10th Schedule of the Constitution, better known as the anti-defection law, MPs alone cannot decide on a merger, which has to be carried out at the level of the party. However, till the Speaker gives a ruling, the MPs can vote in any Bill which is taken up as part of government business. “Under the 10th Schedule, only the original political party can merge with another party, and thereafter the MPs or MLAs can make a claim that their original party has merged, and they agree to that merger, and have become members of that party. Thus, MPs alone cannot merge with any other party. However, till the Speaker gives any ruling, these MPs can vote in favour of any Bills which are taking up as part of the legislative business,” according to former Lok Sabha Secretary General and constitutional law expert P.D.T. Achary. The authority to decide disqualification complaints rests solely with the Speaker or Chairperson of the respective House. Their decision is final. However, it can be challenged in the courts |