Consider the following statements:

1. An amendment of the Constitution of India can be initiated by the introduction of a Bill for the purpose in Lok Sabha only.

2. A Bill providing for the formation of new States and for the alteration of boundaries or names of existing States in India can be introduced in the Parliament only on the recommendation of the President of India.

3. In India, a Bill seeking to amend the representation of States in Parliament has to be passed by a simple majority of both Houses of Parliament.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

Solution

• An amendment of the Constitution can be initiated only by the introduction of a bill for the purpose in either House of Parliament and not in the state legislatures. Thus, statement 1 is wrong. • Article 3 of Indian Constitution provides for the formation of new States and for the alteration of boundaries or names of existing States in India. However there are 2 conditions in this regard: - a bill contemplating the above changes can be introduced in the Parliament only with the prior recommendation of the President. Thus, statement 2 is correct. - before recommending the bill, the President has to refer the same to the state legislature concerned for expressing its views within a specified period. • Representation of states in Parliament is related to the federal structure of the polity can be amended by a special majority of the Parliament and also with the consent of half of the state legislatures by a simple majority. Thus, statement 3 is not correct.