Question

The Indian Constitution is called a living document because it can be _________.
A. Destroyed
B. Amended
C. Deleted
D. Concluded

Answer 1

Hint: A living document is a document which is a dynamic or evergreen document. The Indian Constitution is an example of justice, liberty, and freedom. India is a democratic country that is of the people, for the people, and by the people.

Complete answer: The Indian Constitution is known as a living document because it can be changed or amended. As the people of the nation grow, their needs and aspirations change. People adopt a more progressive approach with each passing day. To satisfy and accept these changes in the thought process of the citizens of the country, our Constitution needs to be amended timely. It is actually necessary for a developing nation to make these modifications as the world is changing at a rapid pace. For the people to grow, the government needs to move ahead with the whole world. The Constitution is the fundamental document by which the society runs, which the society has created for itself. Thus, both the political practice and judicial rulings have shown maturity and adaptability in implementing the Constitution. There are three categories of these amendments:
A. The first category involves the amendment of the constitution by a simple majority, by the members of both the houses of the parliament. Some of the provisions that could be amended through this procedure are quorum of the parliament, rules of procedure in the parliament, second schedule emoluments, etc.
B. In the other category, amendments require a special majority. Such amendments can be passed by each house of Parliament by most of the members of the house present and then voting is done and then sent to the President for his assent.
C. The last category of amendments is difficult to pass. Besides the special majority mentioned in the category above, it should also be approved by at least 50 percent of the state legislatures.

Hence option B is the correct answer.

Note:Those who crafted the Indian Constitution felt that it must be in accordance with its citizens’ aspirations and the changes in society. They did not want the Constitution to be a sacred, static, and unalterable law. So, they made provisions to incorporate changes as the world changes and moves ahead. The changes in the Constitution are called Constitutional amendments. Up to January 2020, 104 amendments have been made to the Indian Constitution. The whole power to make certain changes required in the Constitution is with the Parliament. However, it should be done keeping the basic structure of the Constitution in mind.