Procedure of Amendments

What is an Amendment?

• The process of change or alteration in the constitution is called an amendment.
• It is necessary as the social and political needs of society evolve with time.

Need for Amendments

• The needs of society change over time.
• It is necessary to update the constitution accordingly.

Nature of Amendments

• The US constitution is rigid, making it difficult to bring amendments.
• The UK constitution is flexible.
• The Indian constitution is hybrid, neither too rigid nor too flexible.

Procedure of Amendments

• Article 368: Grants Parliament the power to amend any part of the constitution.
• The basic structure cannot be amended by Parliament.
• The Keshavananda Bharati case established the concept of the basic structure.

Procedures to Bring an Amendment

1. Special Majority
2. Special Majority + Consent of States
3. Simple Majority: Some changes can be made under these provisions.

Initiation of a Bill

• A bill can be introduced by either House (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha).
• It can be introduced by a minister or a private member.
• It must be passed separately by both Houses.
• After the President's signature, it becomes law.

Types of Amendments

1. Changes brought by Simple Majority:

   • Creation of new states.
   • Changes in state boundaries and names.
   • Creation or dissolution of the Legislative Council.
   • Changes in salary and privileges.
   • Parliament's rules and procedures.

2. Changes brought by Special Majority:

   • Changes in fundamental rights.
   • Changes in the DPSP.

3. Special Majority + Consent of States:

   • Distribution of powers among states.
   • Changes related to the Supreme Court and High Courts.
   • Representation in Parliament's seats.

Other Important Points

• The President must sign the amendment bill.
• Consent of states is required for certain types of amendments.

Upcoming Video

• The next video will discuss important constitutional amendments.