Why is the Indian Constitution called a living document?
The Constitution is the expression of the will of the people . The Constitution is neither a frozen document nor merely a lengthy legal document but a charter of values and principles; basically a dream of a free, just, and equal society.
The Constitution of India is considered to be a breathing document as it accepts necessity of modifications according to varying needs of the society. Both political practice and judicial rulings have shown maturity and flexibility in implementing and interpreting the Constitution. These factors have made our Constitution aevergreen document rather than a closed and static rulebook.
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.
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. As of now, 105 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.
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