The Parliament of India acquires the power to legislate on any item in the State List in the national interest if a resolution to that effect is passed by t

1. A. Lok Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
2. B. Lok Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its total membership
3. C. Rajya Sabha by a simple majority of its total membership
4. D. Rajya Sabha by a majority of not less than two-thirds of its members present and voting

Answer: D

Explanation

If Rajya Sabha passes a resolution by a majority of not less than two-thirds of members present and voting saying that it is “necessary or expedient in the national interest” that Parliament should make a law on a matter enumerated in the State List, Parliament becomes empowered to make a law on the subject specified in the resolution, for the whole or any part of the territory of India. Such a resolution remains in force for a maximum period of one year but this period can be extended by one year at a time by passing a similar resolution further.