In the Indian constitutional scheme, which of the following bodies must approve a Constitutional Amendment Bill along with the Lok Sabha?

Introduction / Context:
Constitutional amendments in India require a special procedure that is more rigorous than that used for ordinary laws. This question focuses on which body, in addition to the Lok Sabha, must pass a Constitutional Amendment Bill for it to succeed. It tests your understanding of the bicameral nature of the Indian Parliament and the processes involved in altering the Constitution of India.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• The Indian Parliament consists of the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha.
• Constitutional amendments are passed under Article 368 of the Constitution.
• The options include the Rajya Sabha and several executive or regulatory bodies.
• You are expected to know that constitutional amendment requires approval of both houses of Parliament by a special majority.

Concept / Approach:
Article 368 lays down the procedure for amending the Constitution. A Constitutional Amendment Bill can be introduced in either house of Parliament and must be passed in each house by a special majority, that is, a majority of the total membership of the house and a majority of not less than two thirds of the members present and voting. In some cases, ratification by at least half of the state legislatures is also needed. However, in every case the bill must be approved by both the Lok Sabha and the Rajya Sabha. Executive bodies such as ministries or regulatory authorities have no direct role in approving constitutional amendments.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that Parliament in India is bicameral, consisting of the Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha.Step 2: Remember that a Constitutional Amendment Bill must be passed in each house of Parliament by a special majority.Step 3: Identify that the body that works alongside the Lok Sabha in the legislative process is the Rajya Sabha.Step 4: Observe that ministries and offices within the executive do not formally pass bills; they merely prepare or support them.Step 5: Conclude that the correct answer is Rajya Sabha as the second house that must approve the amendment bill.

Verification / Alternative check:
You can verify by thinking of how ordinary bills are passed; they also must be approved by both houses unless the Constitution provides a special mechanism such as a joint sitting. For constitutional amendments, the requirement is even stricter in terms of majority, but the need for both houses remains. No constitutional provision allows a ministry, the Prime Minister's Office, or a regulatory body to substitute for the Rajya Sabha in this process. Standard polity textbooks confirm that both houses must pass the amendment bill under Article 368.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
The Ministry of Defence is an executive body that deals with defence policy; it can propose changes but cannot formally approve any bill. The Prime Minister's Office assists the Prime Minister in running the government and does not itself pass legislation. The Securities and Exchange Board of India is a statutory regulator for capital markets and has no role in the constitutional amendment procedure. None of these institutions function as legislative chambers alongside the Lok Sabha, so they cannot be correct.

Common Pitfalls:
Some learners overestimate the power of the executive and assume that an office like that of the Prime Minister directly approves constitutional amendments. Others may confuse regulatory authorities with legislative institutions. To avoid such mistakes, always remember the basic separation between legislature, executive, and independent regulators. Constitutional amendments are a core legislative function performed by Parliament, and both houses collectively share this responsibility.

Final Answer:
Along with the Lok Sabha, the Rajya Sabha must approve a Constitutional Amendment Bill for it to be passed under Article 368.