Q. Consider the following statements with reference to the procedure for the amendment of the Constitution as laid down in Article 368:
1. The bill for constitutional amendment requires prior permission of the President for its introduction in the Parliament.
2. The bill affecting the federal provisions of the Constitution must be ratified by the state legislatures of half of the states by a special majority.
3. The President has no power to withhold his assent to a Constitutional amendment bill.
How many of the statements given above are correct?
Exp) Option a is the correct answer.
Statement 1 is incorrect: The bill can be introduced either by a minister or by a private member and does not require prior permission of the president.
Statement 2 is incorrect: The bill affecting the federal provisions of the Constitution must be ratified by the state legislatures of half of the states by a simple majority (and not by special majority) that is, a majority of the members of the House present and voting.
Statement 3 is correct: The constitutional amendment bill passed by both the Houses of Parliament and ratified by the state legislatures, where necessary, the bill is presented to the president for assent. The President must give his assent to the bill. He can neither withhold his assent to the bill nor return the bill for reconsideration of the Parliament.
