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

केंद्रीय मंत्री की संख्या किस पर निर्भर करती है?

Which of the following is the longest-serving political party in India?

Who among the following can recommend the dissolution of the Lok Sabha?

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

विधायिका के प्रमुख का चुनाव किस प्रक्रिया से होता है?

संविधान सभा की बैठकें किस वर्ष प्रारंभ हुई थीं?

संविधान संशोधन की प्रक्रिया किस अनुच्छेद द्वारा नियंत्रित होती है?

Who has the authority to dissolve the Rajya Sabha?

केंद्र और राज्य सरकारों के बीच शक्तियों का विभाजन किस अनुच्छेद में निर्धारित है?

Which of the following is a feature of the Indian Constitution?