Keralam: Parliament Passes Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill 2026
Why in the news
After the Kerala Assembly unanimously asked for it, Parliament enacted a law that changes the State’s official English name to Keralam, matching how it sounds in Malayalam.
Key facts
- Law: Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026.
- Trigger: a unanimous resolution of the State Legislative Assembly.
- Effect: the First Schedule is amended, from Kerala to Keralam.
- Reason: to align the English name with its Malayalam pronunciation and culture.
Constitutional provisions
| Provision | What it does |
|---|---|
| Article 3 | Parliament may by law form States, alter boundaries or change a State’s name |
| Article 4 | Such a law is not treated as an amendment under Article 368; simple majority suffices |
| First Schedule | Amended at Entry 15, which lists States and their territories |
Procedure to rename a State
- The State Assembly usually passes a resolution asking the Centre to change the name.
- A Bill can be brought in either House only with the President’s prior recommendation.
- The President sends the proposal to the concerned State Legislature to give views within a set time.
- This consultation is compulsory, but the State’s views do not bind the President or Parliament.
- The Bill is introduced once the time lapses or views arrive.
- Both Houses pass it by simple majority as an ordinary Bill.
- After assent and Gazette notification, the First Schedule is changed.
Significance
- Parliament can redraw States by simple majority, reflecting the idea of an indestructible Union of destructible States.
- Earlier renamings: Orissa to Odisha (2011), Uttaranchal to Uttarakhand, Pondicherry to Puducherry, United Provinces to Uttar Pradesh, Madras to Tamil Nadu, Mysore to Karnataka.
Exam angle
- Most examinable point: Article 4 keeps such laws outside Article 368.
- Consultation of the State is mandatory but not binding.
- Prior recommendation of the President is required for the Bill.