Archive · 8 Dec 2025
Congress MP Introduces Bill to Free MPs from Whip Tyranny
A Congress MP named Manish Tewari has introduced a bill in the Indian Parliament.
This bill aims to give MPs more freedom to vote the way they want, except on very important issues that could make the government fall.
Right now, MPs have to follow their party's orders (called 'whips') when voting, which Tewari says stops them from properly representing their voters.
His bill wants to change this so MPs can think for themselves when voting on regular laws.
It also wants to make sure that if an MP is punished for not following their party's orders, they can appeal this decision.
Tewari believes this will make lawmaking better and more democratic.
Congress MP Manish Tewari introduced a bill to amend the Anti-Defection Law, allowing MPs to vote independently on non-critical bills.
The bill aims to free MPs from 'whip-driven tyranny' and promote good lawmaking by enabling independent voting on most bills.
MPs would still be bound by party whips on issues affecting government stability, such as confidence motions and financial matters.
The bill proposes an appeal process where MPs can challenge the loss of membership within 15 days, with a decision to be made within 60 days.
Tewari argues that the current system reduces MPs to mere numbers and prevents meaningful debate and research in lawmaking.
- Who
- Manish Tewari, Congress MP from Chandigarh
- What
- Introduced a private member's bill to amend the Anti-Defection Law
- When
- December 7, 2025
- Where
- Lok Sabha, India
- Why
- To allow MPs to vote independently on non-critical bills and promote good lawmaking
- Introduced By
- Manish Tewari (Congress MP)
- Bill Type
- Private Member's Bill
- Objective
- Allow MPs to vote independently on non-critical bills
- Affected Laws
- Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule of the Constitution)
- Key Provisions
- MPs can vote independently except on government stability issues
- Appeal Process
- 15-day appeal window to Speaker/Chairman, 60-day disposal time
- Historical Context
- Third attempt by Tewari (previously in 2010 and 2021)
Sources
Cong’s Tewari introduces bill in LS to free MPs from ‘whip tyranny’
Cong’s Tewari introduces bill in LS to free MPs from ‘whip tyranny’, promote good law-making
Cong’s Manish Tewari moves bill to free MPs from fear of ‘whip’, for good law-making
