The question addresses the power to amend the Indian Constitution without altering its basic structure. According to Indian constitutional law, this power resides with the Parliament. Let us delve deeper into the reasoning behind this:
- Role of the Parliament in Amending the Constitution: The Parliament of India has the authority to amend the Constitution under Article 368. This includes adding, altering, or repealing any provision of the Constitution. However, such amendments must not alter the basic structure of the Constitution, as established by the Supreme Court in the landmark case of Kesavananda Bharati v. State of Kerala (1973).
- Understanding the Basic Structure Doctrine: The Supreme Court of India ruled that while the Parliament possesses the power to amend the Constitution, this power is not unlimited. The "basic structure" of the Constitution, which includes fundamental aspects like the supremacy of the Constitution, secularism, democracy, and federalism, cannot be altered.
- Why Other Options are Incorrect:
- Citizens: Citizens do not have the power to amend the Constitution. They can participate in the democratic process, but constitutional amendments are the prerogative of the legislative body.
- President: The President of India plays a role in the legislative process by giving assent to bills, including constitutional amendment bills, but does not have the power to amend the Constitution independently.
- Vice-President: The Vice-President of India is primarily responsible for his/her role as the chairperson of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) but does not hold any power to amend the Constitution.
- Conclusion: Therefore, the correct answer is that the power to make changes in the Constitution without altering its basic structure lies with the Parliament.