Question 20 from UPSC CSE 2024 - Polity & Governan ce

Question

As per Article 368 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament may amend any provision of the Constitution by way of:
1. Addition
2. Variation
3. Repeal
Select the correct answer using the code given below:

IASCODEX · Accepted Answer

Correct Option: D. 1, 2, and 3

Strategy: Focus on the precise wording used in Article 368: 'amend by way of addition, variation or repeal.' These three operations--adding new provisions, changing existing ones, or removing clauses--are explicitly mentioned in the article. The answer can be confirmed by recalling the constitutional language, as only options covering all these aspects are valid.

Key Info: ## Article 368: Amendment of the Indian Constitution

Article 368 of the Constitution of India outlines the procedure for amending the Constitution. It grants Parliament the power to amend any provision of the Constitution using its **constituent power**, not merely legislative power.

The Article explicitly specifies that amendments can be made through:
*   **Addition** -- Inserting new provisions or words.
*   **Variation** -- Altering or modifying existing provisions.
*   **Repeal** -- Removing existing provisions.

Different types of amendments require varying majorities:
*   Some require a simple majority.
*   Most necessitate a special majority of both Houses of Parliament.
*   Certain fundamental changes also require ratification by at least half of the State Legislatures.

The scope and limits of Parliament's amending power have been clarified in landmark cases. Notably, **Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973)** established the **Basic Structure Doctrine**--certain fundamental principles underlying the Constitution cannot be abrogated, even through an amendment under Article 368.

The flexibility provided by addition, variation, and repeal as amendment modes ensures the Constitution's adaptability while safeguarding its foundational features.

IASCODEX · Answer

Option A: 1 and 2 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option B: 2 and 3 only

IASCODEX · Answer

Option C: 2 and 3 only

As per Article 368 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament may amend any provision of the Constitution by way of: Addition Variation Repeal Select the correct answer using the code given below:

As per Article 368 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament may amend any provision of the Constitution by way of:

Addition

Variation

Repeal
Select the correct answer using the code given below: