The correct option is It allows for changes while maintaining its basic premises..
Explanation
The Indian Constitution is often described as a "living document." This characterization implies that it is not a static or closed set of rules but a dynamic instrument capable of evolving. It adapts to the changing social, economic, and political needs of the country through amendments and judicial interpretations.Option Analysis
- It allows for changes while maintaining its basic premises. is Correct: The Constitution provides a mechanism for its own amendment (Article 368), allowing it to adjust to new circumstances. However, this flexibility is balanced by the Basic Structure Doctrine (established in the Kesavananda Bharati case, 1973), which mandates that the essential features or "basic premises" of the Constitution cannot be altered or destroyed. Thus, it changes to survive but retains its core identity.
- It has been completely rewritten multiple times. is Incorrect: The Indian Constitution has never been rewritten or replaced. It has been amended over 100 times since its adoption, but the original framework remains in force.
- It is legally subordinate to the Parliament. is Incorrect: In the Indian political system, the Constitution is supreme, not the Parliament. The Parliament derives its authority from the Constitution and functions within the limits prescribed by it.
- It contains temporary provisions only. is Incorrect: The Constitution is a permanent legal framework. While it contains a specific part for "Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions" (Part XXI), the document itself is intended to be enduring and permanent.
Key Takeaway
The Constitution is "not static" because it balances flexibility (amendability) with rigidity (Basic Structure), ensuring it remains relevant to changing times without losing its fundamental philosophy.