Q. Consider the following statements with reference to the procedure of amendment of Indian Constitution:
1. A Bill for the amendment of provisions of Article 368, has to be ratified by not less than half of the states.
2. The power to initiate an amendment to the Constitution lies with the Indian Parliament only.
3. Indian constitution has no provision for holding a joint sitting for the deadlock over the passage of a constitutional amendment bill.
4. According to the Constitution, if a state once approves a Constitutional amendment bill, it cannot withdraw its approval to such a bill.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Exp) Option c is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is correct: In the case of amendment of provisions mentioned in Article 368, It needs to be ratified by not less than half of the states. Ratification should be done by a resolution passed by the state legislature. However, this must be passed before the amendment Bill is presented to the President for his assent.
Statement 2 is correct: Amendment can be initiated only by the introduction of a bill for the purpose in either house of the Parliament. The bill can be introduced either by a minister or by a private member and does not require the prior permission of the President.
Statement 3 is correct: In India there is no provision for holding a joint sitting of both the Houses of Parliament if there is a deadlock over the passage of a constitutional amendment bill.
Statement 4 is incorrect: The constitution is silent on the issue of whether the states can withdraw their approval after submitting their approval.
