As per Article 368 of the Constitution of India, the Parliament may amend any provision of the Constitution by way of : 1. Addition 2. Variation 3. Repeal Select the correct answer using the code given below :
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- (d) 1, 2 and 3 ✓ UPSC's answer
Why the answer is (d)
• Article 368(1), inserted by the 24th Amendment (1971), declares that Parliament may in exercise of its constituent power amend 'by way of addition, variation or repeal' any provision of the Constitution.
• Addition means inserting new provisions (e.g. Fundamental Duties in Part IVA); variation means altering existing text; repeal means deleting provisions (e.g. the Right to Property as a Fundamental Right).
• All three modes are expressly named, so items 1, 2 and 3 are correct.
• This power is subject to the basic structure doctrine laid down in Kesavananda Bharati (1973).
• Hence option (d).
Why the other options are wrong
- (a) 1 and 2 only
- Repeal is also expressly mentioned in Article 368(1).
- (b) 2 and 3 only
- Addition is also expressly mentioned.
- (c) 1 and 3 only
- Variation is also expressly mentioned.
Asked in the GS Paper I of the UPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination 2024, held on 16 June 2024. Question and answer key: Union Public Service Commission. Explanation: UPSC Answer Check.