Consider the following statements regarding the amendment procedure under Article 368 of the Constitution of India : 1. A Constitution Amendment Bill can be introduced in either House of Parliament. 2. The Constitution Amendment Bill must be passed in each House by a majority of the total membership of that House and by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members of that House present and voting. 3. All Constitution Amendment Bills must be compulsorily ratified by the Legislatures of at least half of the States. Which of the statements given above is/are correct ?

Under Article 368, a Constitution Amendment Bill can be introduced in EITHER House of Parliament (Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha) — statement 1 is correct. It must be passed by each House separately by a special majority — i.e., by a majority of the total membership of the House AND by a majority of not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting — statement 2 is correct. However, ratification by the Legislatures of at least half of the States is required ONLY for amendments that affect the federal structure (provisions listed in the proviso to Article 368, like election of President, distribution of legislative powers, representation of States in Parliament, Article 368 itself, etc.), NOT for ALL Constitution Amendment Bills — statement 3 is incorrect. Hence only statements 1 and 2 are correct.