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The Lok Sabha passed the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 by voice vote on August 11, 2026, amid Opposition protest.
The Bill renames the state of Kerala as 'Keralam' and was introduced in the House on August 10, 2026.
It follows a unanimous resolution of the Kerala Legislative Assembly and Union Cabinet approval in February 2026.
The change is made under Article 3 of the Constitution and amends the First and Fourth Schedules.
It must still be passed by the Rajya Sabha and receive the President's assent to become law.
Article 3 empowers Parliament by law to form new States and to alter the areas, boundaries or NAMES of existing States. Two procedural conditions attach: the Bill may be introduced only on the President's recommendation, and the President must first refer it to the concerned State Legislature for its views within a specified period — though Parliament is not bound by those views. Crucially, such a law passes by SIMPLE majority, not the special majority required for constitutional amendments. Article 4 makes this explicit: consequential changes to the First and Fourth Schedules are not deemed amendments of the Constitution under Article 368.
Simple Analogy: Redrawing or renaming a state is treated as ordinary legislation, not as rewriting the Constitution itself.
The Union Cabinet approves renaming the State of Kerala as Keralam
The Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 is introduced in the Lok Sabha
The Lok Sabha passes the Bill by voice vote amid Opposition protest
Rajya Sabha passage by simple majority, followed by the President's assent
Empowers Parliament to form new States and alter the areas, boundaries or names of existing States; requires the President's recommendation and reference to the State Legislature.
Provides that laws under Articles 2 and 3 making consequential changes to the First and Fourth Schedules are not to be treated as constitutional amendments under Article 368.
Lists the States and Union Territories of India — amended to reflect the new name.
Allocates seats in the Rajya Sabha to States and Union Territories — also amended for the name change.
GS Paper II > Polity > Union and its Territory, Parliament and Legislative Process
General Awareness > Indian Polity > Constitutional Provisions
General Awareness > Polity and Current Affairs
Provides for the formation of new States and the alteration of areas, boundaries or names of existing States.
A majority of members present and voting, as opposed to the special majority required under Article 368.
Lists the States and Union Territories of India and their territorial extent.
Allocates seats in the Rajya Sabha among States and Union Territories.