📜 Article 252 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Power of Parliament to legislate for two or more States by consent and adoption of such legislation by any other State
Part XI – Relations Between the Union and the States
Chapter I – Legislative Powers
🔹 Text Summary of Article 252:
If two or more State Legislatures pass a resolution requesting Parliament to make a law on a State List subject, then Parliament can do so.
Such a law will apply only to those states that passed the resolution — but other states can adopt it later.
🧠 Clause-by-Clause Breakdown:
| 🔢 Clause |
📘 Provision |
| (1) |
If two or more states think it is desirable to have a common law on a State List subject, they can pass a resolution in their State Assemblies authorizing Parliament to legislate on it. |
| (2) |
Once such a law is enacted by Parliament, it can only be amended or repealed by Parliament — not by the states. Other states can also adopt this law later by passing their own resolution. |
📌 Key Features of Article 252:
| 🔍 Feature |
✅ Details |
| 🏛️ Who initiates? |
Two or more State Legislatures |
| 🗳️ Voting requirement |
Simple majority in State Assemblies |
| 📚 Subject type |
Only State List subjects |
| ⚖️ Who makes the law? |
Parliament, but only after state request |
| 🌍 Applicability |
To requesting states only; other states may adopt later |
| 🛠️ Repeal/Amendment |
Only Parliament can repeal or amend such a law |
| 🔄 Can states withdraw? |
❌ No; once passed, the law remains unless Parliament repeals it |
🧪 Examples of Article 252 in Action:
| 🧾 Law Made |
🟢 States Involved |
| Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 |
Initially 11 states requested |
| Prize Competitions Act, 1955 |
Several states |
| Urban Rent Control Laws (various forms) |
States like Maharashtra & Gujarat requested central action |
🧠 In Simple Words:
Article 252 allows states to invite Parliament to make a common law on a State subject, when they feel it’s beneficial for uniformity.
Once passed, the law applies only to consenting states, but can be extended to others too.
🔁 Related Articles for Context:
| Article |
Topic |
| 245 |
Extent of laws made by Parliament and States |
| 246 |
Distribution of legislative powers |
| 249 |
Parliament's power on State List (national interest) |
| 250 |
Parliament's power on State List (during Emergency) |
📊 Comparison: Article 249 vs Article 250 vs Article 252
| 🔢 Feature |
🟦 Article 249 |
🟥 Article 250 |
🟩 Article 252 |
| 📘 Title |
Parliament’s power on State List in national interest |
Parliament’s power on State List during emergency |
Parliament legislates for two or more states on their request |
| 🏛️ Who initiates? |
Rajya Sabha resolution (2/3rd majority) |
President declares Emergency under Article 352 |
State Legislatures (at least two) request Parliament |
| 📚 Subject Type |
Any matter in State List |
Any matter in State List |
Specific matter in State List |
| ⏳ Duration |
1 year (renewable yearly) |
Emergency + 6 months after it ends |
Permanent (until Parliament repeals) |
| ⚖️ Applicable to All States? |
✅ Yes |
✅ Yes |
❌ Only to requesting/adopting states |
| ✍️ Voting Requirement |
2/3rd of members present & voting in Rajya Sabha |
No vote needed (Emergency suffices) |
Simple majority in State Assemblies |
| 🔁 Repeal/Amendment |
By Parliament |
By Parliament |
By Parliament only, not States |
| 🧪 Example Use |
Cybersecurity, national policing reforms |
Public order during war/pandemic |
Wildlife Protection Act, Urban Land Ceiling Laws |
🧠 Quick Summary:
| 📜 Article |
💡 Used When |
| 249 |
Parliament acts on State subjects in national interest |
| 250 |
Parliament acts on State subjects during emergency |
| 252 |
States invite Parliament to make uniform law |
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