Types of Amendments

Amendments to the Constitution can be broadly classified into different categories based on their impact and the procedure required:

• Ordinary Amendments: These amendments do not alter the “basic structure” of the Constitution and require only a special majority in Parliament for passage.
• Federal Amendments: Amendments affecting federal provisions—such as those altering the balance of power between the Centre and the States—require ratification by at least half of the State Legislatures in addition to a special majority in Parliament.
• Basic Structure Amendments: In cases where an amendment is perceived to affect the core or “basic structure” of the Constitution, the Supreme Court has held that such changes are subject to judicial review under the basic structure doctrine, thereby limiting Parliament’s power.

These classifications help maintain a balance between the need for constitutional evolution and the preservation of the core principles that underpin India’s democratic framework.