Which of the following is NOT possible by a law of Parliament under Article 3 of the Constitution ?

Question

UnlockIAS · Accepted Answer

Correct — D, Admission of new States. Article 3 empowers Parliament, by law, to (a) form a new State by separation of territory from a State or by uniting territories, (b) increase the area of any State, (c) diminish the area of any State, (d) alter the boundaries of any State and (e) alter the name of any State. In short, it re-draws India's EXISTING States. What Article 3 does NOT cover is the admission or establishment of new States INTO the Union — that power sits in Article 2. So 'Admission of new States' is the one thing not possible under Article 3.

Why the other options are wrong — (a) Article 3(a) expressly lets Parliament form a new State by separating territory from, or uniting, existing States — so this IS possible under Article 3.  (b) Article 3(b)/(c) allow Parliament to increase or diminish the area of any State — this IS possible under Article 3.  (c) Article 3(d) allows alteration of the boundaries of any State — this IS possible under Article 3.

Concept: Part I of the Constitution (Articles 1-4) deals with the Union and its territory. Article 2 provides for the admission or establishment of NEW States into the Union (bringing in territory not already part of India — the route used for Sikkim). Article 3 provides for the reorganisation of EXISTING States — forming new States and altering their area, boundaries or names. Article 4 says such laws under Articles 2 and 3 amend the First and Fourth Schedules and are passed by a simple majority, not treated as constitutional amendments under Article 368.

State PCS 2020 Q96 — Polity & Governance PYQ with Answer

State PCS 2020 Q96 — Polity & Governance PYQ with Answer