Consider the following statements with regard to the formation of new

Consider the following statements with regard to the formation of new States and alteration of boundaries of existing States :

  • Parliament may increase the area of any State.
  • Parliament may diminish the area of any State.
  • Parliament cannot alter the boundary of any State.
  • Parliament cannot alter the name of any State.

Which of the statements given above is/are not correct ?

1 and 2
2 and 3
3 and 4
4 only
This question was previously asked in
UPSC CDS-2 – 2019
Statements 3 and 4 are not correct.
Article 3 of the Indian Constitution empowers the Parliament to legislate on matters concerning the formation of new States and the alteration of areas, boundaries, or names of existing States.
Article 3 states that Parliament may by law:
(a) form a new State by separation of territory from any State or by uniting two or more States or parts of States or by uniting any territory to a part of any State;
(b) increase the area of any State;
(c) diminish the area of any State;
(d) alter the boundaries of any State;
(e) alter the name of any State.
Therefore, statements 1 and 2 are correct as Parliament can increase or diminish the area of any State. Statement 3 is incorrect because Parliament *can* alter the boundary of any State. Statement 4 is incorrect because Parliament *can* alter the name of any State. The statements that are not correct are 3 and 4.