Previous Year Question

The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution divides legislative subjects into the Union List, State List and Concurrent List.

According to Article 246(2), both Parliament and State Legislatures can make laws on subjects included in the Concurrent List.

1. Trade and Commerce

Not all matters relating to trade and commerce are included in the Concurrent List.

Entry 26 of the State List provides for trade and commerce within a State. This entry is subject to Entry 33 of the Concurrent List.

Entry 33 of the Concurrent List contains provisions relating to the trade, production, supply and distribution of specified goods.

These include foodstuffs, edible oils, cattle fodder, raw cotton, raw jute and products of specified industries under Union control.

Therefore, certain matters relating to trade and commerce fall under the Concurrent List, but treating trade and commerce in general as entirely a Concurrent List subject would be incorrect.

2. Adulteration of Goods

Entry 18 of the Concurrent List includes the subject of adulteration of foodstuffs and other goods.

Under this entry, Parliament and State Legislatures can enact laws to regulate adulteration in foodstuffs and other goods.

Therefore, Statement 2 relates to the Concurrent List.

3. Succession

Entry 5 of the Concurrent List includes various subjects such as marriage, divorce, adoption, wills, intestacy and succession.

Succession concerns the legal transfer of a person's property after their death.

Both Parliament and State Legislatures have the constitutional power to make laws on this subject.

Therefore, Statement 3 also relates to the Concurrent List.

Conclusion: Statements 2 and 3 are expressly included in the Concurrent List. Only specified categories of trade and commerce fall under Entry 33. Since the question does not specify this limitation, the interpretation of options (b) and (d) differs.