Constitution time machine
2026
Modern
Constitutional state · 2026
Constitution of India
Part XI — Relations between the Union and the States
Article246

Subject-matter of laws made by Parliament and by the Legislatures of States

(1) Notwithstanding anything in clauses (2) and (3), Parliament has exclusive power to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in List I in the Seventh Schedule (in this Constitution referred to as the “Union List”). (2) Notwithstanding anything in clause (3), Parliament, and, subject to clause (1), the Legislature of any State 1*** also, have power to make laws with respect to any of the matters enumerated in List III in the Seventh Schedule (in this Constitution referred to as the “Concurrent List”). (3) Subject to clauses (1) and (2), the Legislature of any State 1*** has exclusive power to make laws for such State or any part thereof with respect to any of the matters enumerated in List II in the Seventh Schedule (in this Constitution referred to as the “State List”). (4) Parliament has power to make laws with respect to any matter for any part of the territory of India not included in a State notwithstanding that such matter is a matter enumerated in the State List.

In plain language

Law-making power is split by three lists: Union, State, and Concurrent. If a subject is on the Union List, Parliament prevails; the Concurrent List is shared, with a Union override when laws clash.

This wording has been in force since 1950 on this desk.

UPSC relevance
High
Most cited right
Exam signal
Often asked
No paper-count until verified
Linked topics
1
Articles + cases
Part XIFederalismUPSC