Question

Indian Constitution is both rigid and flexible. Explain.

Answer 1

The Indian constitution is the bulkiest and lengthiest constituion of the world. It is both reigid and flexible. It is flexible because provisions may be amended or modified by ordinary legislative process. In case of rigid constitution  special procedures are required for amending them. 

The indian constitution can be amended by three different ways - by a simple majority in the Parliament , by a special majority in Parliament or by a joint initiative of Parliament and State Legislature. 

Because of these provisions, the Indian Constitution is characterized by a mixture of flexibility and rigidity.

Answer 2

Most provisions can be amended by the Parliament through the passing of an amending act by a majority of total membership and 2/3rd majority of members present and voting in each House.

2. 10 provisions of the Constitution can be amended first by passing the amendment bill in accordance with the specified procedure (as in point 1) and then getting it ratified by at least half of the several State Legislatures.

3. Several specified constitutional provisions can be amended by the Parliament by an ordinary law of Parliament passed by a simple majority.

It is therefore rigid as there are several rules, and various methods, but it is flexible because it operates in a flexible manner. In spite of such a procedure, the Constitution of India has over 100 amendments in its mere 68 years of Independence. Thus: partly rigid, partly flexible.