Can terms of reference of Finance Commissions be changed? Yes, say experts

Precedents such as changes in the ToR of the 14th Finance Commission following the creation of Telangana

There are precedents for changing the terms of reference (ToRs) of finance commissions, which is a moot point in the current context of various non-Bharatiya Janata Party states demanding alteration in what the 15th Finance Commission has been asked to recommend. 

Experts say Presidents have added or modified ToRs of the Commissions, even as there could be a debate over the concerns of those criticising various specific tasks and references that were given to the 15th Finance Commission. 

For example, with the creation of the state of Telangana, additions were made to ToRs of the 14th Finance Commission to make recommendations