Скачать или смотреть Ques~146|Parliament’s Power to Amend the Constitution: Limited or Absolute? | UPSC Answer Writing

-*Title:*
📜 *Parliament’s Power to Amend the Constitution: Limited or Absolute? | UPSC Answer Writing*

*Description:*
🔎 *Does the Indian Parliament have unlimited power to amend the Constitution?* No! While *Article 368* gives Parliament the power to amend the Constitution, this power is *not absolute* and is *limited* by the *Basic Structure Doctrine* established by the Supreme Court.

✅ *What You’ll Learn:*

📌 *1. Constitutional Provision for Amendment*
✔️ *Article 368:* Empowers Parliament to amend the Constitution.
✔️ Two types of amendments:
🔹 *Simple Majority Amendments* – Outside Article 368 (e.g., creation of new states).
🔹 *Special Majority Amendments* – Require 2/3rd majority in both houses.
🔹 *Ratification by States* – Required for federal provisions.

📌 *2. Key Supreme Court Judgments Limiting Parliament’s Power*
⚖️ *1. Shankari Prasad Case (1951):* Parliament’s power to amend *Fundamental Rights* upheld.
⚖️ *2. Golaknath Case (1967):* Parliament *cannot amend Fundamental Rights* under Article 368.
⚖️ *3. Kesavananda Bharati Case (1973):* Established the **Basic Structure Doctrine**, limiting Parliament’s power.
⚖️ *4. Indira Gandhi v. Raj Narain (1975):* Struck down an amendment violating free and fair elections.
⚖️ *5. Minerva Mills Case (1980):* Reinforced that Parliament cannot alter the *Basic Structure* of the Constitution.

📌 *3. What is the Basic Structure Doctrine?*
🔹 Supreme Court ruled that Parliament *cannot alter the fundamental framework* of the Constitution, including:
✔️ *Supremacy of the Constitution*
✔️ *Sovereign, Democratic, and Republic Nature of India*
✔️ *Separation of Powers*
✔️ *Judicial Review*
✔️ *Fundamental Rights & Directive Principles (DPSP) Balance*

📌 *4. Why is Parliament’s Power Limited?*
✔️ *Prevents Majoritarianism* – Protects minority rights.
✔️ *Ensures Checks & Balances* – Judiciary acts as a guardian of the Constitution.
✔️ *Maintains Federal Structure* – Protects state autonomy.
✔️ *Protects Fundamental Rights* – Cannot be diluted arbitrarily.

📌 *5. UPSC Answer Writing Strategy*
📝 *How to Structure Your Answer?*
✔️ *Introduction:* Define Article 368 and Parliament’s amendment power.
✔️ *Body:* Explain key SC judgments and limitations under the Basic Structure Doctrine.
✔️ *Conclusion:* Emphasize the balance between flexibility and constitutional integrity.
✔️ *Use Case Laws & Articles* to support your argument.

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