Q. Consider the following statements: An Amendment to the Constitution of India can be initiated by:
1. Lok Sabha
2. Rajya Sabha
3. State Legislatures
4. President of India
Which of the above statements is/are correct?
a) 1, 2 and 3
b) 1 and 2
c) Only 1
d) 2, 3 and 4
Question from UPPSC Prelims 2024
The correct answer is: b) 1 and 2
Explanation:
An amendment to the Constitution of India is governed by Article 368. According to this article, the process of amending the Constitution can only be initiated in Parliament, specifically in either the Lok Sabha or the Rajya Sabha.
1. Lok Sabha: Yes, an amendment can be initiated in the Lok Sabha. This is one of the two houses of Parliament where a bill for constitutional amendment can be introduced.
2. Rajya Sabha: Yes, an amendment can also be initiated in the Rajya Sabha. Like the Lok Sabha, it is part of Parliament and has the authority to introduce and deliberate on constitutional amendment bills.
3. State Legislatures: No, state legislatures cannot initiate an amendment to the Constitution. However, in certain cases (e.g., amendments affecting federal provisions), ratification by at least half of the state legislatures is required after the amendment is passed by Parliament.
4. President of India: No, the President does not have the power to initiate a constitutional amendment. The President’s role is limited to giving assent to the amendment bill after it has been passed by both houses of Parliament as per the procedure laid out in Article 368.
