Simple majority in Indian Parliament
Q. Which of the following is/are true?
1) Quorum in Parliament can be amended by simple majority.
2) Amending provisions regarding 6th schedule of the constitution does not count as constitutional amendment.- Published on 23 Feb 17a. Only 1
b. Only 2
c. Both 1 and 2
d. Neither 1 nor 2
ANSWER: Only 1
- Article 368 provides for two types of amendments, that is, by a special majority of Parliament and also through the ratification of half of the states by a simple majority.
- But, some other articles provide for the amendment of certain provisions of the Constitution by a simple majority of Parliament, i.e., a majority of the members of each House present and voting (similar to the ordinary legislative process).
- Notably, these amendments are not deemed to be amendments of the Constitution for the purposes of Article 368.
The Constitution can be amended in three ways -
1. Amendment by simple majority of the Parliament.
2. Amendment by special majority of the Parliament.
3. Amendment by special majority of the Parliament and the ratification of half of the state legislatures.
Simple Majority of Parliament
The provisions that can be amended by this include -
1. Admission or establishment of new states.
2. Formation of new states and alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing states.
3. Abolition or creation of legislative councils in states.
4. 2nd Schedule - emoluments, allowances, privileges and so on of the president, the governors, the Speakers, judges, etc.
5. Quorum in Parliament.
6. Salaries and allowances of the members of Parliament.
7. Rules of procedure in Parliament.
8. Privileges of the Parliament, its members and its committees.
9. Use of English language in Parliament.
10. Number of judges in the Supreme Court.
11. Conferment of more jurisdiction on the Supreme Court.
12. Use of official language.
13. Citizenship - acquisition and termination.
14. Elections to Parliament and state legislatures.
15. Delimitation of constituencies.
16. Union territories.
17. Fifth Schedule - administration of scheduled areas and scheduled tribes.
18. Sixth Schedule - administration of tribal areas.
