Part I - The Union and its Territory • Article

Article 2 Simplified: Admission or establishment of new States

Article 2 gives the Indian Parliament the unique power to welcome new territories and admit them as a new state into the country. It allows India to expand its borders legally through international agreements.

Official Text

Parliament may by law admit into the Union, or establish, new States on such terms and conditions as it thinks fit.

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

It's like India can invite a new neighbor to join its family and live in the same big house. If a piece of land was never part of India before, Parliament can welcome it in as a new state.

Student Mode

Article 2 empowers Parliament to admit or establish new States that were EXTERNALLY not part of the territory of India. It does not apply to reorganizing existing Indian states (which is handled under Article 3).

Example

The most famous example is Sikkim. In 1975, the people of Sikkim voted to join India, and the Parliament used Article 2 to formally admit them.

Key Takeaway

Article 2 is the 'Open Door' of India, allowing the nation to grow through peace and law.

FAQs

Can Article 2 be used to create Telangana?

No. Article 2 is for admitting territories that were EXTERNALLY not part of India. Internal changes like Telangana are done under Article 3.

Which famous state was added using Article 2?

Sikkim was admitted as a full state of India in 1975 through Article 2.

Can Parliament cede Indian territory to a foreign country under Article 2 or 3?

No. The Supreme Court in the Berubari Union case (1960) ruled that Parliament cannot cede Indian territory to a foreign nation using simple laws under Article 2 or 3. Doing so requires a Constitutional Amendment under Article 368.

Quiz

Who has the power to admit new states into India?

Answer: The Parliament

Sikkim was added to India using which power?

Answer: Article 2

Can the Parliament cede Indian territory to a foreign nation under Article 2 or 3?

Answer: No, it requires an amendment under Article 368