Question

In which of the following cases can a Constitutional amendment be passed just by a simple majority in Parliament?

• A. Election matters
• B. Change in the name and boundaries of states
• C. Powers of the President
• D. None of the above

Hint:

Be careful: Not all changes to the Constitution are “amendments” under Article 368. Some are made through ordinary laws by simple majority — but these are excluded from the formal amendment category.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is D

Step 1: Understanding amendment procedure
Under Article 368 of the Constitution of India, most Constitutional amendments require a special majority in Parliament — that is, a majority of the total membership of each House and a two-thirds majority of the members present and voting. Certain amendments also require ratification by at least half of the State Legislatures.
Step 2: Simple majority cases
A simple majority (majority of members present and voting) is only applicable for amendments made under ordinary legislative procedures — for example: - Admission or establishment of new states (Article 2)
- Alteration of names, boundaries, or areas of states (Article 3)
- Changes in certain schedules (like the Fourth Schedule)
These changes are not considered “Constitutional amendments” under Article 368, but amendments through ordinary law.
Step 3: Applying to the given options
- (a) Election matters: Changes in election provisions generally require a special majority (e.g., Article 324 related changes).
- (b) Change in the name and boundaries of states: While Article 3 allows this by a simple majority, it is not a \emph{Constitutional amendment} under Article 368 — hence, the question's phrasing excludes it.
- (c) Powers of the President: Requires a special majority as it alters provisions in the main body of the Constitution.
Therefore, none of the listed cases strictly qualify as a Constitutional amendment that can be passed by simple majority under Article 368.
\[ \boxed{\text{Correct choice: None of the above.}} \]