The Union List is one of the three legislative lists in the Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution. It contains subjects on which only the Parliament of India has the power to make laws. These subjects are of national importance, such as defense, foreign affairs, and atomic energy.
1. Constitutional Provisions on the Union List
🔹 The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution divides legislative powers between:
✅ Union List (Central Government) – Only Parliament can make laws.
✅ State List (State Governments) – Only State Legislatures can make laws.
✅ Concurrent List (Both Union & State Governments) – Both Parliament and State Legislatures can make laws.
🔹 Article 246 – Distribution of Legislative Powers
- Article 246(1) – Parliament has exclusive power to legislate on subjects in the Union List.
- Article 246(2) – Both Parliament and States can legislate on the Concurrent List.
- Article 246(3) – Only State Legislatures can legislate on the State List.
2. Features of the Union List
✅ Only Parliament can make laws on Union List subjects.
✅ State governments cannot interfere in Union List matters.
✅ In case of a conflict between Union and State laws, Union law prevails (Article 246).
✅ The Union List is flexible – Parliament can add or remove subjects through a Constitutional Amendment.
3. Important Subjects in the Union List
The Union List originally had 97 subjects, but after amendments, it now has 100 subjects.
| Category | Important Subjects |
|---|---|
| Defence & Security | Army, Navy, Air Force, Atomic Energy, Border Security, War & Peace |
| Foreign Affairs | Diplomatic Relations, United Nations, Treaties, Citizenship, Extradition |
| Finance & Currency | Banking, Insurance, Income Tax, Foreign Exchange, Reserve Bank of India |
| Transport & Communication | Railways, Airways, Highways, Telecommunication, Postal Services |
| Trade & Commerce | Import-Export, Trade with Foreign Countries, Corporations |
| Law & Order | Supreme Court, Citizenship, Census, Official Language, Elections |
📌 Example: Only the Central Government can declare war or sign a treaty with another country.
4. Power of Parliament to Make Laws on State List Subjects
✅ Under certain conditions, Parliament can also make laws on State List subjects:
| Provision | Description |
|---|---|
| Article 249 | If Rajya Sabha passes a resolution (by a 2/3rd majority), Parliament can legislate on a State List subject in national interest. |
| Article 250 | During a National Emergency, Parliament can legislate on State List subjects. |
| Article 252 | If two or more states request, Parliament can make laws on a State List subject, but only for those states. |
| Article 253 | To implement international agreements, Parliament can legislate on any subject, even in the State List. |
| Article 356 | During President’s Rule, Parliament takes over the legislative functions of the state. |
📌 Example: During an Emergency (Article 352), Parliament can make laws on Police, Public Order, or Agriculture, which are usually State List subjects.
5. Important Articles Related to the Union List
| Article | Provision |
|---|---|
| Article 246 | Parliament has exclusive power to legislate on Union List subjects. |
| Article 249 | Rajya Sabha can authorize Parliament to make laws on State List subjects in national interest. |
| Article 250 | Parliament can legislate on State List subjects during an Emergency. |
| Article 252 | Parliament can legislate on a State List subject if two or more states request it. |
| Article 253 | Parliament can make laws on any subject to implement international treaties. |
6. MCQs on Union List
1. Which Article gives Parliament the exclusive power to legislate on the Union List?
a) Article 123
b) Article 246
c) Article 356
d) Article 312
✅ Answer: b) Article 246
2. How many subjects are there in the Union List after amendments?
a) 97
b) 99
c) 100
d) 102
✅ Answer: c) 100
3. Which of the following is NOT a subject in the Union List?
a) Defence
b) Banking
c) Agriculture
d) Atomic Energy
✅ Answer: c) Agriculture (Agriculture is in the State List)
4. Under which article can Rajya Sabha allow Parliament to make laws on a State List subject?
a) Article 249
b) Article 250
c) Article 252
d) Article 253
✅ Answer: a) Article 249
5. Which article allows Parliament to legislate on State List subjects during a National Emergency?
a) Article 248
b) Article 250
c) Article 253
d) Article 356
✅ Answer: b) Article 250
6. Under which article can Parliament legislate on any subject to implement international treaties?
a) Article 249
b) Article 250
c) Article 252
d) Article 253
✅ Answer: d) Article 253
7. Which of the following is a subject in the Union List?
a) Police
b) Public Health
c) Foreign Affairs
d) Trade within a state
✅ Answer: c) Foreign Affairs
8. Who has the power to add or remove subjects from the Union List?
a) President of India
b) Prime Minister
c) Parliament
d) Supreme Court
✅ Answer: c) Parliament
7. Conclusion
The Union List gives the Parliament of India exclusive power to legislate on 100 subjects of national importance, such as defense, foreign affairs, banking, and atomic energy. While State Legislatures cannot make laws on these subjects, Parliament can legislate on State List subjects under special conditions (Articles 249-253).
For competitive exams, understanding the Union List, related articles, and legislative powers is essential. Stay updated with recent amendments and legislative changes to strengthen your preparation! ✅📚
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