The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Constitution of India, under Article 168, defines the constitution of legislatures in States. While a Legislative Assembly (Vidhan Sabha) is mandatory for every State, the Legislative Council (Vidhan Parishad) is optional. The power to create or abolish a Legislative Council is vested in the Parliament under Article 169, based on a resolution passed by the State Legislative Assembly.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Constitution does not mandate a bicameral legislature for States based on any population threshold. While the Legislative Assembly is a compulsory chamber, the Legislative Council is optional. Most States in India operate with a unicameral system.
- Statement 2 is Correct. The Constitution provides flexibility regarding the structure of the State Legislature. Under Article 169, the Parliament can abolish an existing Legislative Council or create a new one if the Legislative Assembly of the concerned State passes a resolution to that effect by a special majority. Thus, the choice between a unicameral or bicameral legislature originates with the State.
- Statement 3 is Correct. At present, only six States in India have a bicameral legislature. These are Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Karnataka, Maharashtra, Telangana, and Uttar Pradesh. Since the number is six, the statement that "less than ten States" possess a bicameral legislature is factually accurate.
Key Takeaway:
Bicameralism in State Legislatures is not mandatory. Under Article 169, a State can initiate the creation or abolition of a Legislative Council via a special majority resolution, but the final enactment is done by a simple law of Parliament.