1[(1)] Notwithstanding anything contained in the Kerala Panchayat Raj Act, 1994 (13 of 1994), or in the Kerala Municipality Act, 1994 (20 of 1994), or in any other law for the time being in force, subject to the other provisions of this Act,—
(a) if a member of a local authority belonging to any political party voluntarily gives up his membership of such political party, or if such member, contrary to any direction in writing issued by the political 1 Numbered by Act 6 of 2013 (w.e.f. 17.01.2012).
3 party to which he belongs or by a person or authority authorised by it in this behalf in the manner prescribed, votes or abstains from voting,—
(i) in a meeting of a Municipality, in an election of its Chairperson, Deputy Chairperson, a member of a Standing Committee or the Chairman of a Standing Committee; or
(ii) in a meeting of a Panchayat, in an election of its President, Vice President, a member of a Standing Committee or the Chairman of the Standing Committee; or in an voting on a no-confidence motion against any one of them except a member of a Standing Committee;
(b) if an independent member belonging to any coalition withdraws from such coalition or joins any political party or any other coalition, or if such a member, contrary to any direction in writing issued by a person or authority authorised by the coalition in this behalf in the manner prescribed, votes or abstains from voting,—
(i) in a meeting of a Municipality, in an election of its President, Vice President, a member of a Standing Committee or the Chairman of the Standing Committee; or
(ii) in a meeting of a Panchayat in an election of its President, Vice- President, a member of a Standing Committee or the Chairman of the Standing Committee; or in an voting on a no-confidence motion against any one of them except a member of a Standing Committee;
(c) if an independent member not belonging to any coalition, joins any political party or coalition; he shall be disqualified for being a member of that local authority.
Explanation.—For the purpose of this section an elected member of a local authority shall be deemed to be a member belonging to the political party, if there is any such party, by which he was 1[set up or given support] as a candidate for the election.
2[(2) The direction in writing issued for the purpose of clauses (a) and (b) of sub-section (1) shall be given to the members concerned in the manner as may be prescribed and copy of such direction in writing shall be given to the Secretary of the Local Self Government Institution concerned.
(3) Where any dispute arises regarding the direction issued under this section 1 Substituted by Act 6 of 2013 (w.e.f. 17.01.2012).
2 Inserted by Act 6 of 2013 (w.e.f. 17.01.2012).
4 between the political party or coalition concerned and the member authorised in this behalf as prescribed under sub-section (2), the direction in writing issued in this regard by the person authorised by the political party from time to time to recommend the symbol of the political party concerned for contesting in election shall be deemed to be valid.]