Topic Details (Notes format)

Doctrine of Colourable Legislation

Subject: Polity

Book: Indian Polity by M. Laxmikanth

States that what cannot be done directly cannot be done indirectly. If a legislature exceeds its jurisdiction under the guise of a valid subject, courts may declare it void. This ensures that legislative competence is not circumvented. For example, a state cannot legislate on a Union subject by artificially labeling it a “state subject.” The Supreme Court checks colorable legislation to maintain constitutional demarcations. Though legislatures can creatively draft laws to serve local needs, overstepping boundaries invites judicial scrutiny. Hence, this doctrine preserves the distribution of powers and integrity of legislative competence under India’s federal scheme.

Practice Questions

What is the minimum age for a person to become the Chief Minister of a state in India?

भारत का संविधान किस वर्ष अपनाया गया था?

संसद की कार्यप्रणाली का प्रावधान किस अनुच्छेद में मिलता है?

लोकसभा का कार्यकाल कितने वर्षों का होता है?

Which article of the Indian Constitution provides for the protection of rights of minorities?

Which of the following is an essential feature of a federal system?

Who appoints the members of the Election Commission of India?

न्यायपालिका की स्वतंत्रता किस अनुच्छेद में सुनिश्चित की गई है?

Who among the following was the first woman Governor of an Indian state?

लोकसभा का चुनाव किस प्रकार से होता है?