The subject 'Marriage' belongs to the:

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Concurrent List

Explanation:

• The subject 'Marriage' falls under the Concurrent List of the Seventh Schedule in the Indian Constitution.
• This means that both the Central and State Governments have the power to make laws regarding marriage, divorce, and related matters.
• However, in case of a conflict between central and state laws, the central law prevails as per Article 254 of the Constitution.

Information Booster:

Seventh Schedule of the Indian Constitution (COI)

The Seventh Schedule of the Constitution of India, 1950 classifies legislative powers between the Union and State Governments through three lists:

Article 246 – Distribution of Legislative Powers

• Article 246(1): Parliament has exclusive power to legislate on subjects in List I (Union List).
• Article 246(2): Both Parliament and State Legislatures can make laws on subjects in List III (Concurrent List).
• Article 246(3): State Legislatures have exclusive power over subjects in List II (State List).

Three Lists of Legislative Powers

1. Union List (List I):
• Contains 98 subjects (originally 97).
• Subjects of national importance requiring uniform laws across India.
• Examples: Defence, Foreign Affairs, Banking, Currency, Union Taxes.
2. State List (List II):
• Contains 59 subjects (originally 66).
• Matters of local/state interest within the legislative competence of State Legislatures.
• Examples: Public Order, Police, Health, Agriculture.
3. Concurrent List (List III):
• Contains 52 subjects (originally 47).
• Both Union and State Legislatures can legislate.
• Acts as a middle ground to prevent rigid division of powers.
• Examples: Education, Criminal Law, Marriage, Trade Unions.

The Sarkaria Commission noted that subjects in the Concurrent List are neither purely national nor purely local, making it a constitutional grey area where both Union and State governments can function.