Why the Indian Constitution is called a living document?
[please give me a long answer]
Answers
Answer:
Indian Constitution can be changed according to the requirement and the needs of the present society and its future, it is not a constant and static document rather it is fluid and it can be changed by the process of amendment. The Constitution is open to interpretation by the Supreme Court after understanding the society and the basic foundational values of the constitution. The Soviet Union had four constitutions in its life of 74 years (1918, 1924, 1936 and 1977). France has had Five Constitutions since the French Revolution (1793, 1848, 1875, 1946, 1958). India thus far has had only one. This has happened because the Indian Constitution accepts the necessity of modifications according to changing needs of the society and there has been enough flexibility of interpretations in the actual working of the Constitution. The Indian constitution is rigid in that it is above ordinary law, however it is sufficiently flexible as well. The Constitution can be amended in 3 different ways:
Similar to ordinary law: simple majority in Parliament as mentioned in some articles .
Special majority in Parliament in both Houses separately.
Special majority + Legislatures of half the states .
Like a living being, the Constitution responds to experience. In this process it is not solely the Legislature & the Executive which is at play but also the Judiciary which ensures that the Executive conducts its work within the framework provided by the Constitution. The Basic Structure Doctrine for instance is a very stark example of this
Explanation: