Constitutional Amendments — Process, Key Amendments & Pending Amendments

Knowledge Themes

Structural Subtopics

• Procedure under Article 368 for constitutional amendments
• Distinction between amendments under Article 368 and simple majority legislation
• Role of state ratification in federal amendments
• Evolution of the Basic Structure Doctrine from Shankari Prasad to Kesavananda Bharati
• Limitations on Parliament's constituent power
• Significance of the 42nd and 44th Amendment Acts
• Constitutional status of Panchayati Raj and Municipalities (73rd and 74th Amendments)
• Anti-Defection Law and the Tenth Schedule (52nd and 91st Amendments)
• Impact of the 101st Amendment on fiscal federalism and GST
• Restoring state powers to identify SEBCs under the 105th Amendment
• Judicial review of amendments placed in the Ninth Schedule
• Procedure for the creation and abolition of Legislative Councils
• Absence of joint sitting provisions for constitutional amendment bills
• Impact of amendments on Fundamental Rights versus Directive Principles of State Policy