The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate onany item in ...
If the Rajya Sabha declares that it is necessary in the national interest that Parliament should make laws on a matter in the State List, then the Parliament becomes competent to make laws on that matter. Such a resolution must be passed by the Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-third of its members present and voting.
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The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate onany item in ...
Explanation:
The power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest is granted to the Parliament of India under certain circumstances. This power is exercised when a resolution to that effect is passed by the Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting.
Significance of the State List:
The Indian Constitution divides legislative powers between the central government (Parliament) and the state governments. The State List includes subjects on which only the state governments have the power to make laws. These subjects are of local or regional importance and cover areas such as police, public health, agriculture, and local government.
Power of Parliament to legislate on State List:
In certain situations, the Parliament is granted the power to legislate on items in the State List. This power is granted in the national interest, when it is necessary to have a uniform law across the country or when it is required to implement international agreements. However, this power can only be exercised if a resolution to that effect is passed by the Rajya Sabha.
Role of Rajya Sabha:
The Rajya Sabha is the upper house of the Parliament of India. It represents the states and union territories of the country. When a resolution to legislate on an item in the State List is passed by the Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting, it indicates that there is a broad consensus among the states and union territories on the need for such legislation.
Importance of Two-Thirds Majority:
Requiring a majority of not less than two-thirds ensures that there is a strong consensus among the members of the Rajya Sabha. This high threshold ensures that the power to legislate on items in the State List is not exercised lightly and only when there is a genuine national interest at stake.
Conclusion:
The correct answer to the question is option 'D' - 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 Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting. This provision ensures that the power is exercised judiciously and with the consensus of the states and union territories.