The correct answer is: C. With the joint approval of the Parliament and State Legislatures
The Indian Constitution can be amended by a process called the amendment procedure. The amendment procedure is a complex process that requires the approval of both the Parliament and the State Legislatures. The amendment procedure is as follows:
- A bill for the amendment of the Constitution is introduced in either House of Parliament.
- The bill is then referred to a Joint Committee of both Houses of Parliament.
- The Joint Committee considers the bill and submits its report to both Houses of Parliament.
- The bill is then debated and voted upon by both Houses of Parliament.
- If the bill is passed by both Houses of Parliament, it is then sent to the President for his/her assent.
- If the President gives his/her assent to the bill, it becomes an amendment to the Constitution.
The amendment procedure is a complex process that is designed to ensure that the Constitution is not amended lightly. The requirement for the approval of both the Parliament and the State Legislatures ensures that the amendment process is not controlled by any one group or individual.
Option A is incorrect because the State Legislatures cannot amend the Constitution on their own. The amendment procedure requires the approval of both the Parliament and the State Legislatures.
Option B is incorrect because the Parliament can only amend the Constitution with the approval of the State Legislatures. The amendment procedure requires the joint approval of the Parliament and the State Legislatures.
Option D is incorrect because the Constitution can be amended only with the approval of both the Parliament and the State Legislatures. The amendment procedure does not require ratification by half of the States.