Question

As per the provisions of the Constitution of India, Criminal Law falls under which one of the following lists?

• A. Union List
• B. State List
• C. Concurrent List
• D. Residuary List

Hint:

Seventh Schedule Shortcut: \[ \text{Criminal Law} = \text{Concurrent List} \] \[ \text{Police} = \text{State List} \]

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Concept: The Constitution distributes legislative powers between the Union and the States through the Seventh Schedule, which contains three lists.

Step 1: Understand the structure of lists.

• Union List: Only Parliament can legislate

• State List: Only State legislatures can legislate

• Concurrent List: Both can legislate

Step 2: Identify criminal law placement. Criminal law is placed under:

Entry 1 of the Concurrent List This includes substantive criminal law such as offences defined under IPC/BNS.

Step 3: Understand implications. Because it is in the Concurrent List:

• Parliament can enact central criminal laws

• States can also legislate on criminal matters

• In case of conflict, central law generally prevails (Article 254)

Step 4: Distinguish related entries.

• Police and Public Order → State List

• Criminal Procedure → Concurrent List

Conclusion: Criminal law falls under the Concurrent List. Hence, Option (C) is correct.