Isabella Carter
The Indian Constitution, which was first enacted in 1950, is the most amended national constitution in the world, with over 100 amendments. As of 2024, there have been 106 amendments in total, with the most recent being the Constitution 104th Amendment Act in 2020. Amendments to the Indian Constitution are necessary to maintain the relevance and adaptability of India's supreme law. They are carried out based on the evolving needs of Indian society and governance, covering a wide range of issues such as land reforms, reservation policies, taxation, and fundamental rights. The Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution through a simple majority, a special majority, or by involving both the Parliament and State Legislatures. However, it cannot alter the Constitution's basic structure, as affirmed by the Supreme Court in the landmark 1973 Kesavananda Bharati case.
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What You'll Learn
Types of Amendments
The Indian Constitution has been amended over 100 times since its inception and adoption in 1950. It is the most amended national constitution in the world, with amendments being made roughly twice a year. These amendments are necessary to address evolving socio-political and economic challenges and to maintain the relevance and vitality of India's supreme law.
There are three types of amendments to the Constitution of India, of which the second and third types are governed by Article 368.
The first type of amendment must be passed by a "simple majority" in each house of the Parliament of India. This means that more than 50% of the total membership of the house and at least two-thirds of the members present and voting must approve the amendment. Certain provisions of the Constitution can be amended by a simple majority, including those related to the admission or establishment of new states.
The second type of amendment must be passed by a prescribed "special majority" in each house of Parliament. A special majority requires more than 50% of the total strength of the house and at least two-thirds of the members present and voting.
The third type of amendment must be passed by a "special majority" in each house of Parliament and ratified by at least one-half of the State Legislatures. This type of amendment is required for provisions related to the federal structure of the Indian polity, such as the distribution of powers between the Centre and the states. It is important to note that the Parliament cannot alter the Constitution's "basic structure," as ruled by the Supreme Court in the 1973 Kesavananda Bharati case.
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Amendment Procedure
As of July 2025, there have been 106 amendments to the Indian Constitution since its inception and adoption in 1950. This makes it the most amended national constitution in the world. Amendments are required to maintain the relevance and vitality of India's supreme law, allowing it to adapt to emerging socio-political and economic challenges.
The Indian Constitution can be amended in three ways, with the second and third types of amendments being governed by Article 368. The first type of amendment must be passed by a simple majority in each house of the Parliament of India. This means that more than half of the total membership of both houses must approve the bill.
The second type of amendment must be passed by a prescribed special majority in each house of Parliament. This special majority requires more than 50% of the total strength of the house and at least two-thirds of the members present and voting.
The third type of amendment must be passed by a special majority in each house of Parliament and ratified by at least one-half of the State Legislatures. This type of amendment is required for changes to federal provisions, such as the distribution of powers between the Centre and the states.
A bill for amendment can only be introduced in Parliament, and it can be introduced by a minister or a private member without needing the President's prior permission. Once the bill has been passed by the required majority in both houses, it goes to the President for assent. The President must give assent and cannot withhold or return the bill. Once the President signs, the bill becomes a Constitutional Amendment Act, officially amending the Constitution.
It is important to note that while Parliament has the power to amend the Constitution, it cannot alter the "basic structure" of the Constitution as per the landmark 1973 Kesavananda Bharati case. The Supreme Court ruled that certain elements, such as federal nature, secularism, democracy, and the separation of powers, are beyond parliamentary amendment.
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Reasons for Amendments
The Indian Constitution has been amended 106 times as of July 2025, since its inception in 1950. This makes it the most amended national constitution in the world, with amendments being made roughly twice a year. The reasons for these frequent amendments can be attributed to the following factors:
Adaptability and Socio-Political Changes
The amendments to the Indian Constitution reflect the evolving needs of Indian society and governance. They are necessary to address emerging socio-political and economic challenges while protecting the core values laid out by the composers of the Constitution. This ensures that the Constitution remains adaptable and relevant over time.
Curtailment of Fundamental Rights
One of the most important and frequent reasons for amendments is the curtailment of the Fundamental Rights charter. This is achieved by inserting laws contrary to the fundamental rights provisions into Schedule 9 of the Constitution, which protects them from judicial review. Areas of restriction include property rights and affirmative action for minority groups.
Territorial Changes
Some amendments are made to give effect to territorial changes, such as the acquisition of new territories by India or the transfer of territories to neighbouring countries, like the transfer of certain territories to Bangladesh.
Federal Provisions
Specific amendments are required for federal provisions, such as the distribution of powers between the central government and the states. These amendments need the approval of at least half of the state legislatures, in addition to a special majority in Parliament.
Parliamentary Procedure
Amendments may also be made to address conflicts between the Supreme Court and Parliament. While the Supreme Court wants to restrict Parliament's power to amend the Constitution, Parliament seeks to exercise discretionary power. This has resulted in the development of various doctrines and rules to check the validity and legality of amendments, such as the Basic Structure Doctrine, which prevents changes to the Constitution's "basic structure".
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First Amendment
The Indian Constitution, enforced in 1950, has been amended over 100 times since its inception. As of 2024, there have been 106 amendments, making it the most amended national constitution in the world. Amendments are required to maintain the relevance and vitality of India's supreme law.
The First Amendment, or the Constitution (First Amendment) Act, 1951, was enacted in 1951, just a year after the Constitution was enforced. The Amendment contains 14 sections that amended or inserted provisions in the Constitution. Here are the key features and repercussions of the First Amendment:
Article 15
A fourth clause was added to Article 15, allowing the government to introduce benefits and make special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes of citizens, as well as for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes. This was done to promote the educational and economic interests of weaker sections of society and protect them from social injustice.
Article 19
The First Amendment modified clause (2) of Article 19, which dealt with the right to freedom of speech and expression. The Nehru administration limited this article against "abuse of freedom of speech and expression". This move was in response to severe criticism in the press regarding the government's handling of the refugee crisis in West Bengal and extra-judicial killings in Madras. The Amendment made the right to freedom of speech and expression subject to reasonable restrictions imposed by the State in the interests of the general public.
Article 31
Articles 31A and 31B were added to exempt land reforms from constitutional scrutiny.
Ninth Schedule
The Ninth Schedule was inserted, containing laws that were insulated from any challenge against the violation of fundamental rights.
Other Amendments
The First Amendment also included amendments to various other articles, such as Articles 85, 174, 341, and 342. These amendments addressed issues related to parliamentary sessions, substitution of certain words and phrases, and removal of difficulties in implementing certain provisions.
The First Amendment to the Indian Constitution served as a basis for ensuring several rights and remedies for Indian citizens, reflecting the evolving needs of Indian society and governance.
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Most Recent Amendments
As of July 2025, there have been 106 amendments to the Indian Constitution since its enactment in 1950, making it the most amended national constitution in the world. The amendments are necessary to maintain the relevance and vitality of India's supreme law, reflecting socio-political changes. The Constitution is amended roughly twice a year, addressing matters relating to land reforms, reservation policies, taxation, and fundamental rights.
The three types of amendments to the Indian Constitution are outlined below:
- Simple Majority: Amendments of this type can be passed by a simple majority in each house of the Parliament of India.
- Special Majority: This type of amendment requires a prescribed special majority in each house of Parliament, meaning more than 50% of the total strength of the house and at least two-thirds of the members present and voting.
- Special Majority with State Ratification: In addition to the special majority in each house, this type of amendment also needs ratification by at least half of the state legislatures.
The most recent amendments to the Indian Constitution include:
The 106th Amendment (2023)
The President of India gave assent to the Constitution (106th Amendment) Act in 2023, providing for a one-third reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
The 105th Amendment (before July 2023)
Unfortunately, I could not find specific information on the 105th Amendment.
The 122nd Amendment
The 122nd Amendment introduced the Goods and Service Tax.
The 86th Amendment
The Eighty-sixth Amendment provided for the Right to Education for children aged six to fourteen and Early Childhood Care until the age of six.
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Frequently asked questions
As of July 2025, there have been 106 amendments to the Indian Constitution since its inception in 1950.
The first type of amendment must be passed by a "simple majority" in each house of the Parliament of India. The second type of amendment must be passed by a prescribed "special majority" of each house of Parliament. The third type of amendment must be passed by a "special majority" in each house of Parliament and ratified by at least one half of the State Legislatures.
A bill for amendment can only be introduced in Parliament, by a minister or a private member without needing the President’s prior permission. The bill must be passed by a Special Majority in both Houses, with a majority of the total membership and two-thirds of members present and voting. For federal provisions, the bill also needs approval by at least half of the state legislatures with a Simple Majority. The President must then give assent, after which the bill becomes a Constitutional Amendment Act.
