Polity

Article 249

Also: Parliament's power to legislate on State List matters in national interest

Definition

The provision that lets Parliament make laws on a State List subject for one year at a time if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution, by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting, declaring it necessary in the national interest.

Summary card: Article 249. Rajya Sabha resolution by two-thirds of members present and voting. Resolution valid for up to one year; can be renewed repeatedly. Law ceases six months after the resolution expires. Covers State List matters, including GST powers under Article 246A — Summary card © UPSCPrep.in

Background and evolution

The Constitution divides legislative powers between the Union and the states in the Seventh Schedule. The framers, aware of Partition violence and the need for national unity, included several exceptions allowing Parliament to legislate on state subjects. Article 249 is one of these. It gives the Rajya Sabha, as the house representing the states, the role of deciding when national interest needs a Union law on a state matter.

The provision draws partly from wartime powers under the Government of India Act, 1935. It reflects the "Union of States" design in which the Centre is stronger but the states still have a say through the Rajya Sabha.

Key features and provisions

Trigger: a Rajya Sabha resolution supported by two-thirds of members present and voting.
Subject: any matter in the State List named in the resolution, and from 2016 also matters under Article 246A (GST).
Duration: the resolution remains in force for up to one year; it can be extended by further resolutions, one year at a time.
Lapse: a law made under it ceases to have effect six months after the resolution ends, except for things done before.
States' power: states keep their power to legislate on the same subject; in a conflict, the Union law prevails while it is in force (Article 251).
No Lok Sabha role in the resolution.

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Last reviewed: 23 October 2026 · Original UPSCPrep.in content.