Broadly speaking there are three ways of amendment of the articles of our constitutions. These are some articles which can be amended by simple majority just like an ordinary law. No special procedure is adopted for the modification in these articles. For amending the remaining parts of the constitution, provision has been made in Article 368 of the constitution two methods under this article.

All these three methods are discribed as follows:

1. Amendment by a single majority in both the Houses of Parliament (By law):

There are some provisions of the Constitution which can be amended by a resolution passed by a simple majority in both the Houses of Parliament. This amendment is like passing an ordinary bill by the Parliament. Bill on creation of new States, changing the boundaries of existing States, changing the names of the States, creation or abolition of second chamber in State Legislature, citizenships, fixing the qualification of Members of Parliament and State Legislatures, fixing the numbers of judges of the Supreme Court, etc., can be passed by a simple majority of the members present and voting in both the Houses. This makes a part of the Constitution most flexible.

2. Amendment by two-third majority in both the Houses of Parliament (Act 368): Most of the provisions of the Constitution for amendment require the resolution to be passed by a two-third majority of the members present and voting in both the Houses of Parliament. This method is not simple. Amendment resolution can be moved in any House and after it is passed by majority of total membership and two-third majority of the members present and voting, it is sent to the other House. If the other House also passed it with the majority of total membership and a two-third majority of two member present and voting only then the amendment is passed. Many times the Rajya Sabha has rejected the amendment bills passed by the Lok Sabha. Recent example is the Bill on Panchayats and Nagarpalikas.

3. Amendment by two-third majority in both the Houses of Parliament and approval of half of the State Legislatures (Act 368): Most important articles of the Constitution are more difficult to amend. For them after the amendment resolution has been passed by both the Houses of Parliament with majority of total member strength and of two-third majority of those present and voting in each House, the resolution has to be ratified by at least half the State Legislatures. Only thereafter it is considered to be passed.

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