- Article 3: Provides for alteration of the area, boundaries or name of existing States.
- Parliament’s power: Parliament can change the name of a State by law.
- President’s recommendation: A Bill for this purpose can be introduced in Parliament only on the recommendation of the President.
- State Legislature: The President refers the Bill to the concerned State Legislature for its views.
- State’s consent: The State Legislature’s views are not binding on Parliament.
- Article 4: A law made under Articles 2 and 3 may amend the First and Fourth Schedules and is not considered a constitutional amendment under Article 368.
- Majority: Such a law is passed by a simple majority in Parliament.
Prelims Practice Question – English
Q. With reference to alteration of the name of a State, consider the following statements:
- It is governed by Article 3 of the Constitution.
- The concerned State Legislature must give its consent.
- The law passed for this purpose is not considered a constitutional amendment under Article 368.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
A. 1 and 3 only
B. 1 and 2 only
C. 2 and 3 only
D. 1, 2 and 3
Answer: A
Explanation: Article 3 empowers Parliament to alter the area, boundaries or name of a State. The President refers the Bill to the concerned State Legislature for its views, but the State Legislature’s consent is not mandatory or binding on Parliament. Under Article 4, a law made under Article 3 is not deemed to be a constitutional amendment for the purposes of Article 368 and can therefore be passed by a simple majority.
