4. Amendment process of the Indian constitution with that of Japan. Answer:

a) India: The constitution is more flexible than rigid. Only the amendment of few of

the provisions of the constitution requires ratification by state legislatures and even then legislation by not less than half of the states would suffice. The rest of the constitution could be amended by a special majority by parliament. There is no separate constituent body provided for by our constitution for the amending process.

Japan: Japan’s constitution is rigid. Article 96 provides that amendments can be made to any part of the constitution. However, a proposed amendment must first be approved by both houses of the Diet, by at least two-thirds majority of each house. It must then be submitted to a referendum in which it is sufficient for it to be endorsed by a simple majority of votes cast. A successful amendment is finally promulgated by the Emperor, but the monarch cannot veto an amendment.

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