Article 3 of the Indian constitution authorizes the Parliament to

1. form a new state by separation of territory from any state.

2. increase the area of any state.

3. alter the name of any state.

Select the correct answer using the code given below:

Article 3 authorizes the Parliament to

(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, and

(e) alter the name of any state.

However, Article 3 lays down two conditions in this regard: one, a Bill contemplating the above changes can be introduced in the Parliament only with the prior recommendation of the President; and two, before recommending the Bill, the President has to refer the same to the State Legislature concerned, for expressing its views within a specified period.

Further, the power of the Parliament to form new states includes the power to form a new state or union territory by uniting a part of any state or union territory to any other state or union territory.