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Question

Consider the following statements:
An Amendment to the Constitution of India can be initiated by the:

1. LokSabha 2. RajyaSabha
3. State Legislatures 4. President of India

Which of the above statements is/are correct?

  1. 1,2 and 3
  2. 1 and 2
  3. Only 1
  4. 2, 3 and 4

Answer:

Option B: 1 and 2

Detailed Solution:

The correct answer is “1 and 2”.

As per Article 368 of the Indian Constitution, an amendment to the Constitution can be initiated only in the Parliament. Either House of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha) can introduce a Constitutional Amendment Bill.

The bill must be passed by a special majority (i.e., two-thirds of the members present and voting, and more than 50% of the total strength of the House).

In some cases, ratification by at least half of the State Legislatures is required, but State Legislatures themselves cannot initiate an amendment.

The President of India has no power to initiate or propose a Constitutional Amendment—they can only give assent after Parliament passes the bill.