UPSC Polity Question
Consider the following statements with reference to the territorial integrity of the states in India: 1. The Parliament can redraw the political map of India according to its will. 2. The State Legislature can enlarge its territorial jurisdiction and possess the power of 'extra-territorial legislation' in some circumstances. Which of the above statements is/are correct?
A. 1 only
B. 2 only
C. Both 1 and 2
D. Neither 1 nor 2
Correct Answer:
A. 1 only
Explanation:
Statement 1 is correct: The Constitution empowers the Parliament to alter the boundaries or names of existing states without their consent, which is why India is described as 'an indestructible Union of destructible states'. Statement 2 is incorrect: The power of extra-territorial legislation is exclusively with the Union Parliament (Article 245), not with the State Legislatures.