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

संविधान संशोधन की प्रक्रिया किस अनुच्छेद द्वारा नियंत्रित होती है?

Who is considered the "father of the Indian Constitution"?

Which of the following is a provision of the Indian Constitution regarding the Emergency?

Who has the authority to promulgate ordinances in India?

राज्यसभा के सदस्यों का चयन किस आधार पर किया जाता है?

What is the maximum number of members in the Legislative Assembly of a state?

संसद सत्रों का आयोजन किसके द्वारा किया जाता है?

न्यायपालिका की स्वतंत्रता किस अनुच्छेद में सुनिश्चित की गई है?

राष्ट्रपति के आपातकालिक शक्तियाँ किस अनुच्छेद के तहत निर्धारित हैं?

कार्यपालिका के प्रमुख का चुनाव किसके द्वारा किया जाता है?