UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2016

The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by the

  1. Lok Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
  2. Lok Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its total membership
  3. Rajya Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
  4. Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting

Answer

Correct Answer

Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting

Explanation

Under Article 249 of the Constitution, Parliament can legislate on a State List item in the national interest only if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution supported by not less than two-thirds of the members present and voting.

Topics: article 249, centre-state relations, indian polity, legislative relations