Q. With reference to the Constitution (Fifth Amendment) Act, 1955, consider the following statements regarding Article 3 (formation of new States and alteration of areas, boundaries, or names of existing States):

1. A Bill to create a new State or change the area, boundary, or name of an existing State can be introduced in Parliament only on the recommendation of the President.
2. If the proposal affects a State, the President must refer the Bill to the Legislature of that State for its views within a specified or extended time period.
3. The views expressed by the State Legislature are binding on Parliament before passing the Bill.

Which of the above statements is/are correct?
Answer: Only 1 and 2
Notes: As per the Fifth Amendment and Article 3, a Bill on state reorganization requires the President’s recommendation, and if it affects a State, the State Legislature must be consulted for its views within a fixed or extended time. However, these views are not binding on Parliament; it may accept or reject them. Thus, statements 1 and 2 are correct; statement 3 is incorrect.