Official Question UPSC 2025
Solution & Analysis
Answer:
Medium Factual Recall
Exceptions to the Division of Powers
Analyze Exceptions to the Division of Powers using previous year trends.
Quick Recall
The Union Parliament can override the federal structure and legislate on the State List under specific constitutional conditions. These include a Rajya Sabha resolution passed by a 2/3rd majority, the operation of a National Emergency, the implementation of international treaties, or a joint request passed by two or more state legislatures.
Concept Flow Mapping
Rajya Sabha Resolution
authorizes
authorizes
Parliament to legislate on State List
National Emergency
empowers
empowers
Parliament to legislate on State List
Two or More States
must request
must request
Parliament for Article 252 legislation
Concept Question
How long do laws made by Parliament on State List subjects during a National Emergency remain operative after the emergency ends?
Key Takeaway
They become inoperative 6 months after the emergency ceases.
Examiner's Trap
Examiners test precision by altering the numerical thresholds. They will claim 'one state' can request Parliament to make a law (it requires two or more under Article 252). They will also test the exact majority needed in the Rajya Sabha (2/3rd present and voting).
Core Insight
The Indian Constitution treats the federal division of power as highly flexible, providing multiple legitimate avenues for the Union to absorb state legislative domains during crises, international obligations, or collective state consent.