Part V · The Union · General
Article 80: Composition of the Council of States
Text of Article 80
(1) [*** The Council of States] shall consist of—
(a) twelve members to be nominated by the President in accordance with the provisions of clause (3); and
(b) not more than two hundred and thirty-eight representatives of the States [and of the Union territories].
(2) The allocation of seats in the Council of States to be filled by representatives of the States [and of the Union territories] shall be in accordance with the provisions in that behalf contained in the Fourth Schedule.
(3) The members to be nominated by the President under sub-clause (a) of clause (1) shall consist of persons having special knowledge or practical experience in respect of such matters as the following, namely:—
Literature, science, art and social service.
(4) The representatives of each State *** in the Council of States shall be elected by the elected members of the Legislative Assembly of the State in accordance with the system of proportional representation by means of the single transferable vote.
(5) The representatives of the [Union territories] in the Council of States shall be chosen in such manner as Parliament may by law prescribe.
Words in [square brackets] were inserted or substituted by later amendments (see below). Source: Legislative Department, Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India
A plain-English explanation of Article 80, landmark judgments and exam facts are being added to this page.
Amendment history
Changed by: 7th Amendment Act, 1956, 35th Amendment Act, 1974, 36th Amendment Act, 1975
- Subs. by the Constitution (Thirty-fifth Amendment) Act, 1974, s. 3, for "The Council of States" (w.e.f. 1-3-1975).
- The words "Subject to the provisions of para. 4 of the Tenth Schedule," omitted by the Constitution (Thirty-sixth Amendment) Act, 1975, s. 5 (w.e.f. 26-4-1975).
- Added by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, s. 3 (w.e.f. 1-11-1956).
- The words and letters "specified in Part A or Part B of the First Schedule" omitted by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956, s. 3 (w.e.f. 1-11-1956).
- Subs. by s. 3, ibid, for "States specified in Part C of First Schedule" (w.e.f. 1-11-1956).
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