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Constitutional Amendments in India

The document outlines the process and types of constitutional amendments in India as per Article 368, including amendments by simple majority, special majority, and those requiring state ratification. It highlights significant amendments and their impacts, such as the introduction of the Anti-Defection Law and the Women's Reservation Act. The Basic Structure Doctrine is emphasized as a safeguard for democracy and fundamental rights, ensuring that core constitutional values are preserved during amendments.

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13 views2 pages

Constitutional Amendments in India

The document outlines the process and types of constitutional amendments in India as per Article 368, including amendments by simple majority, special majority, and those requiring state ratification. It highlights significant amendments and their impacts, such as the introduction of the Anti-Defection Law and the Women's Reservation Act. The Basic Structure Doctrine is emphasized as a safeguard for democracy and fundamental rights, ensuring that core constitutional values are preserved during amendments.

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raodeviyadav04
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Here are the final notes on Constitutional Amendments in India for the RRB NTPC exam:

Constitutional Amendments – Indian Polity

Definition & Article

 Constitutional amendments modify the original text of the Constitution.

 Article 368 lays down the amendment procedure.

Types of Amendments

1. By Simple Majority – Changes in Lok Sabha seats, state names, etc.

2. By Special Majority – Changes in Fundamental Rights, Directive Principles, etc.

3. By Special Majority + State Ratification – Changes affecting federal structure (e.g.,


distribution of powers).

Basic Structure Doctrine (1973)

 The Supreme Court ruled that Parliament cannot amend the "basic structure" (e.g.,
sovereignty, secularism, judicial review).

Major Constitutional Amendments

Important Amendments & Key Changes

1st. Amendment (1951) – Added Ninth Schedule, new restrictions on freedom of speech,
and allowed special provisions for backward classes.
7th. Amendment (1956) – Reorganized states into 14 states & 6 Union Territories.
10th. Amendment (1961) – Incorporated Dadra & Nagar Haveli into India.
24th. Amendment (1971) – Parliament empowered to amend Fundamental Rights.
25th. Amendment (1971) – Limited Right to Property; introduced Article 31C to enforce
Directive Principles.
26th. Amendment (1971) – Abolished Privy Purses & Ruler Recognition.
42nd. Amendment (1976) – “Mini Constitution”

 Shifted 5 subjects (Education, Forests, etc.) from State List to Concurrent List.

 Extended Lok Sabha & State Assembly tenure to 6 years (later reversed).
44th. Amendment (1978) – Restored judicial powers, made Right to Property a legal
right, and ensured Articles 20 & 21 are not suspended during Emergency.
52nd. Amendment (1985) – Introduced Anti-Defection Law (Tenth Schedule).
61st. Amendment (1989) – Reduced voting age from 21 to 18 years.
73rd. & 74th. Amendments (1992) – Strengthened Panchayati Raj & Urban Local
Bodies.
86th. Amendment (2002) – Made education a Fundamental Right (Article 21A).
97th. Amendment (2012) – Granted constitutional status to Co-operative Societies.
101st. Amendment (2016) – Introduced GST (Goods & Services Tax).
103rd. Amendment (2019) – Provided 10% EWS reservation.
104th. Amendment (2020) – Extended SC/ST reservation in Lok Sabha & State
Assemblies.
105th. Amendment (2021) – Restored state power to identify OBCs.
106th. Amendment (2023) – Women's Reservation Act, reserving one-third of seats
in Lok Sabha & State Assemblies for women.

Amendment Procedure (Article 368)

1.Amendment Bill introduced in Parliament (either House).


2.Passage Requirements:

 Simple Majority – Minor amendments.

 Special Majority – Most constitutional changes.

 Special Majority + State Ratification – Federal structure changes.


4.President's Assent – Must approve; cannot refuse under Article 368.
5.Amendment becomes law.

Conclusion

 Amendments help the Constitution evolve while maintaining its core values.

 Basic Structure Doctrine protects democracy & fundamental rights.

 Key amendments impact governance, fundamental rights, and federalism.

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