Goa, June 23 -- A Supreme Court case arising from Goa could have far-reaching implications for political defections across India. The case is expected to clarify whether MPs and MLAs can legally merge with another party on their own or whether such a move requires approval from the parent political party.

The issue has gained significance amid recent defections and merger claims involving parties such as the Trinamool Congress (TMC), Aam Aadmi Party (AAP), and Shiv Sena (UBT). At the centre of the debate is the anti-defection law under the Tenth Schedule of the Constitution.

The law allows legislators to avoid disqualification if a merger is supported by at least two-thirds of a legislature party. However, legal experts differ on whethe...