Question
Consider the following statements:
1. A bill amending the Constitution requires a prior recommendation of the President of India.
2. When a Constitution Amendment Bill is presented to the President of India, it is obligatory for the President of India to give his/her assent.
3. A Constitution Amendment Bill must be passed by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha by a special majority and there is no provision for joint sitting.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanation
Statement 1 is incorrect: A Constitution Amendment Bill can be introduced by a minister or a private member, and doesn’t need prior presidential recommendation.
Statement 2 is correct: The 24th Amendment made it obligatory for the President to give assent once such a bill reaches them, removing any discretion.
Statement 3 is correct: Article 368 requires special majority in both Houses, and there is no joint-sitting provision if they disagree — unlike ordinary bills under Article 108.