Consider the following statements: 1. Parliament can legislate on matters enumerated in the State List if two or more state legislatures pass resolutions requesting the Parliament to enact such laws. 2. A law so enacted will be equally applicable to all the states, irrespective of whether they passed such a resolution or not 3. Such a law can be amended or repealed only by the Parliament. How many of the statements given above are correct?

Article 252 - Power of Parliament to Legislate for Two or More States

• Article 252 allows Parliament to make laws on matters enumerated in the State List if two or more State Legislatures pass resolutions requesting Parliament to legislate on a specific matter. Hence, statement 1 is correct.
• Once Parliament enacts a law under this provision, the law applies to the states that requested it and to any other states that may later adopt it by passing a resolution in their respective legislatures. Hence, statement 2 is incorrect.

Amendment or Repeal

• Once a law is enacted under Article 252, it can only be amended or repealed by Parliament, even though the original subject matter belongs to the State List. Hence, statement 3 is correct.
• The power to amend or repeal such a law is not vested in the State Legislatures, even if they were the ones that initially requested the law.
• Example : The Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

Additional Information

Other Situations in which Parliament Can Legislate on Matters in the State List:

• National Interest (Article 249): Parliament can legislate on a matter in the State List if the Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a two-thirds majority of members present and voting, declaring that it is necessary or expedient in the national interest to legislate on that matter.
• Under a Proclamation of Emergency (Article 250): When a national emergency is in operation (declared under Article 352), Parliament is empowered to legislate on matters in the State List.
• To Implement International Agreements (Article 253): Parliament can legislate on any matter in the State List if it is necessary for implementing international treaties, agreements, or conventions.
• During President’s Rule (Article 356): If a state is under President’s Rule (Article 356), Parliament assumes the power to legislate on matters in the State List for that state under the failure of Constitutional machinery.