Theme T82 · Constitution & Polity
Amending power & basic structure
4PYQs
4GS2
2013–20254 distinct years
1asked 2024–26
Roadmap · step 4 of 171 · Stage 1: Foundations
What UPSC asks
Repeated: limits on Parliament's amending power, whether Parliament can destroy basic structure, Coelho case, judicial review as a basic feature.
Prepare these
- Art 368 procedure
- Kesavananda, Minerva Mills, I.R. Coelho
- Procedural and substantive limits
Answer writing
- Trace the case law evolution clearly
Directive words in these PYQs: Examine (1), Explain (1), Discuss (1), Critically (1).
Linked themes
Comes back later in
Later themes that take this one further.
Syllabus lines covered
- GS2-L1 — Indian Constitution- historical underpinnings, evolution, features, amendments, significant provisions and basic structure.
All 4 PYQs, newest first
GS2202515 marks · 250 wordsGS2-POL-03-M2025-Q12
Indian Constitution has conferred the amending power on the ordinary legislative institutions with a few procedural hurdles. In view of this statement, examine the procedural and substantive limitations on the amending power of the Parliament to change the Constitution.
GS22019GS2-POL-03-M2019-S01
“Parliament’s power to amend the Constitution is a limited power and it cannot be enlarged into absolute power.” In the light of this statement explain whether Parliament under Article 368 of the Constitution can destroy the Basic Structure of the Constitution by expanding its amending power?
GS22016GS2-POL-03-M2016-S01
What was held in the Coelho case? In this context, can you say that judicial review is of key importance amongst the basic features of the Constitution?
GS22013GS2-POL-03-M2013-S01
‘The Supreme Court of India keeps a check on arbitrary power of the Parliament in amending the Constitution.’ Discuss critically.