Introduction 

The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India (1950) outlines the division of legislative powers between the Union and States. It comprises three lists: 

1. Union List (List I) – Centre's exclusive powers 
2. State List (List II) – State-specific powers 
3. Concurrent List (List III) – Shared powers between Centre and States 

Article 246 – Legislative Powers 

• Clause (1): Parliament has exclusive power to legislate on Union List subjects like defence, foreign affairs, banking etc. 
• Clause (2): Both Parliament and State Legislatures can make laws on Concurrent List subjects. 
• Clause (3): States have exclusive power over State List subjects such as public order, agriculture, health etc.

Details of the Three Lists 

• Union List: 98 subjects (originally 97); includes matters of national importance. 
• State List: 59 subjects (originally 66); includes matters of regional/local interest. 
• Concurrent List: 52 subjects (originally 47); both Centre and States can legislate. Parliament prevails in case of conflict.

Union, State, and Concurrent Lists

• Union List: Only the Union Legislature can make laws on these matters. 
• State List: Normally, only the State Legislature can make laws on these matters. 
• Concurrent List: Both Union and State Legislatures can make laws on these matters. 

Residuary Powers 

• Include all matters not mentioned in any of the above Lists. 
  Example: Cyber Laws 
• Note: Only the Union Legislature has the power to legislate on these matters. 

Evolution 

• The concept originated in the Government of India Act, 1935. 
• Adopted post-independence with a centralised framework. 
• 1934 Joint Committee Report supported power distribution to define provincial autonomy and reduce jurisdictional conflicts.