Who has the power to amend Constitution of India ?

Question

Accepted Answer

The power to amend the Constitution of India is vested in the Parliament, which is why Option 4 is the correct answer. Here is a detailed explanation supporting this:

1. **Explanation for Option 4 (Parliament):**
   - The Constitution of India provides the procedure for its amendment under Article 368. According to this article, the Parliament has the authority to amend the Constitution. This process involves both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, which together constitute the Parliament of India.
   - Amendments can be initiated in either house of Parliament and must be passed by a majority of the total membership of that house and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.
   - Certain amendments also require ratification by at least half of the state legislatures, but the initiation and primary responsibility for constitutional amendments lie with the Parliament.

2. **Explanation for why other options are incorrect:**

- **Option 1 (Supreme Court):**
     - The Supreme Court of India does not have the power to amend the Constitution. Its role is to interpret the Constitution and ensure that laws and amendments passed by the Parliament are in accordance with constitutional provisions. The Supreme Court can review and strike down amendments if they violate the basic structure of the Constitution, but it cannot initiate or enact amendments.

- **Option 2 (Only Lok Sabha):**
     - The Lok Sabha alone does not have the power to amend the Constitution. Amendments require the involvement of both houses of Parliament, meaning both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha must pass the amendment bill. Therefore, it is incorrect to attribute this power solely to the Lok Sabha.

- **Option 3 (Only Rajya Sabha):**
     - Similar to the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha alone cannot amend the Constitution. The process requires the participation and approval of both houses of Parliament. Thus, it is incorrect to say that only the Rajya Sabha has this power.

In conclusion, the power to amend the Constitution of India is a function of the Parliament as a whole, involving both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha, which justifies why Option 4 is the correct answer.