Indian Polity • Parliament & ExecutiveHard

Examine the application of Article 3 of the Constitution regarding parliamentary reorganization of states, with reference to the historical carving out of Punjabi-speaking hilly areas from Punjab to form parts of Himachal Pradesh in 1966.

A. Parliament can enact such legislation only after securing a two-thirds majority in the legislative assemblies of all affected states.

B. A Bill for the purpose of altering boundaries or forming new states can be introduced in Parliament only on the recommendation of the President, who must first refer it to the concerned state legislature for expressing its views within a specified period.✓ Correct Answer

C. The President has absolute veto power over state reorganization bills and cannot consult state assemblies.

D. Reorganization of state boundaries requires a formal constitutional amendment under Article 368.

💡 Solution & Explanation

Article 3 empowers Parliament to form new states or alter boundaries, but the bill requires presidential recommendation and prior reference to the state legislature concerned for expressing views, though Parliament is not bound by those views. Article 4 explicitly clarifies that such laws are not considered constitutional amendments under Article 368. The Punjab Reorganisation Act of 1966 transferred territories like Kullu, Shimla, Kangra, and Lahaul-Spiti to Himachal Pradesh following this constitutional procedure. Simple majorities in Parliament suffice for such territorial changes.

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Examine the application of Article 3 of the Constitution regarding parliamentary reorganization of states, with reference to the historical carving out of Punjabi-speaking hilly areas from Punjab to form parts of Himachal Pradesh in 1966.

More Indian Polity Parliament & Executive questions