3. Oath or Affirmation

Every member of either House of state legislature, before taking his seat in the House, has to make and subscribe an oath or affirmation before the governor or some person appointed by him for this purpose.

In this oath, a member of the state legislature swears:

(a) to bear true faith and allegiance to the Constitution of India;

(b) to uphold the sovereignty and integrity of India; and

(c) to faithfully discharge the duty of his office.

Unless a member takes the oath, he cannot vote and participate in the proceedings of the House and does not become eligible to the privileges and immunities of the state legislature.

A person is liable to a penalty of ₹500 for each day he sits or votes as a member in a House:

(a) before taking and subscribing the prescribed oath or affirmation; or

(b) when he knows that he is not qualified or that he is disqualified for its membership; or

(c) when he knows that he is prohibited from sitting or voting in the House by virtue of any law made by Parliament or the state legislature.

Members of a state legislature are entitled to receive such salaries and allowances as may from time to time be determined by the state legislature.