An Indian state can be divided or its boundary altered by which of the following?
Show answer & explanation
Correct answer: B
Explanation
The correct answer is Option 2: Parliament.
Explanation:
- Under Article 3 of the Indian Constitution, Parliament possesses the authority to divide a state, merge two or more states, increase or decrease the area of a state, or alter the boundaries or name of any state.
- This process requires a simple majority in Parliament.
- Process for the Reorganization of States:
- Prior Recommendation of the President: No such bill can be introduced in Parliament without the prior recommendation of the President.
- Opinion of the State Legislature: The President refers the bill to the legislature of the concerned state to ascertain its views; however, Parliament is not bound to accept that opinion.
- Simple Majority: Parliament can pass this bill by a simple majority.
Important Constitutional Facts:
- Article 2: This deals with the admission or establishment of new states (which were not previously part of India).
- Article 4: This clarifies that laws made under Articles 2 and 3 shall not be deemed to be 'amendments to the Constitution' under Article 368.
- Unilateral Authority: India is described as an 'indestructible Union of destructible States,' because the Union (Centre) can alter the geography of the states even without their consent.
Important Questions for Upcoming Examinations:
Question: Which was the first state in India to be formed on a linguistic basis?
Answer: Andhra Pradesh (1953).
Question: Who was the Chairman of the 'States Reorganisation Commission' (1953)?
Answer: Fazl Ali.
Question: Under which Act passed by Parliament were 14 states and 6 Union Territories created in 1956?
Answer: States Reorganisation Act, 1956.