SSC Stenographer 2026 PYQ — Question 27

Solution: The correct answer is Union law.
Explanation:
☛ Under Article 254(1) of the Indian Constitution, if there is any conflict or inconsistency between a law made by Parliament and a law made by a State Legislature on a subject in the Concurrent List (List III), the Union law prevails over the State law.
☛ The State law becomes void to the extent of its repugnancy with the Central law.
☛ Exception: As per Article 254(2), a State law on a Concurrent List subject prevails in that State if it was reserved for the President's consideration and received the President's assent.
☛ Even in such a case, Parliament retains the power to enact subsequent legislation amending, varying, or repealing the State law.
Extra Exam-Relevant Facts:
☛ The Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution divides legislative subjects into three lists: Union List (List I), State List (List II), and Concurrent List (List III).
☛ The feature of the Concurrent List in the Indian Constitution was borrowed from the Australian Constitution.
☛ Residuary Powers: Under Article 248, the power to make laws on subjects not mentioned in any of the three lists rests exclusively with the Parliament.
☛ The 42nd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1976 transferred five subjects (Education, Forests, Weights & Measures, Protection of Wild Animals & Birds, and Administration of Justice) from the State List to the Concurrent List.
Important One-Liners for Upcoming Exams:
☛ From which country's constitution was the concept of the Concurrent List borrowed? → Australia
☛ Which Article of the Constitution addresses inconsistency between laws made by Parliament and State Legislatures? → Article 254
☛ Which Schedule contains the Union, State, and Concurrent Lists? → Seventh Schedule
☛ Under which Article are residuary legislative powers vested in the Parliament? → Article 248
☛ How many subjects were originally present in the Concurrent List? → 47 subjects (presently 52)