GK Question

polity hard true_false

Under the Tenth Schedule, if a party issues a whip on a matter of conscience (e.g., moral/ethical issue), members can still vote according to conscience without facing disqualification.

  1. True
  2. False

Answer: False

Tenth Schedule doesn't distinguish between 'conscience votes' and other votes. If party issues whip, members must follow it or face disqualification (unless condoned within 15 days). Contrast with UK/other democracies where 'free votes' allowed on conscience issues. Debate ongoing in India about introducing conscience vote exception to balance party discipline with individual conscience.

Topic Anti-Defection Law - Whips and Conscience Votes
Exam Relevance Comparative constitutional practice question for UPSC Mains and advanced SSC exams