Under Article 249, Rajya Sabha can enable Parliament to legislate on a State List subject by passing a resolution with ______ majority declaring it expedient in national interest, valid for one year and renewable.
- simple
- two-thirds of members present and voting
- three-fourths
- unanimous
Answer: two-thirds of members present and voting
Article 249 mechanism: (a) Rajya Sabha passes resolution by special majority (2/3 of members present and voting) declaring it expedient in national interest that Parliament should legislate on State List subject, (b) Resolution valid for 1 year; renewable by fresh resolution, (c) Parliament can then legislate on that subject; State Legislature power not suspended but Union law prevails in conflict (Article 254), (d) Use cases: All India Services creation, environmental protection, national security. Illustrates federal flexibility: enables Union legislation on State subjects without Emergency, respecting national interest while preserving State legislative domain post-resolution expiry.