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Article 368Amendment1 case
Power to Amend the Constitution
Constitutional Text
(1) Parliament may amend any provision of this Constitution by way of addition, variation or repeal in accordance with the procedure laid down in this article.
Plain-English Explanation
Article 368 grants Parliament the power to amend the Constitution. However, the Supreme Court's 'basic structure doctrine' limits this power — Parliament cannot amend the Constitution in a way that destroys its basic features like democracy, secularism, federalism, and fundamental rights.
Landmark Supreme Court Cases
Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala
1973The Supreme Court held that Parliament cannot amend the basic structure of the Constitution.
Impact: One of the most important constitutional law cases in Indian history. Established the basic structure doctrine limiting Parliament's amending power.