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The doctrine of 'harmonious construction' in interpreting the legislative lists of the Seventh Schedule rests on which premise?
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: C.
1. The doctrine of **harmonious construction** holds that **different entries in the different lists are to be interpreted such that conflict is avoided and each is given effect**.
2. The Constitution is presumed not to want to create conflict and make any entry nugatory. Therefore, where two entries in different lists appear to clash, the scope of one may be restricted so as to give meaning to the other.
3. Option A inverts the premise; option C wrongly elevates the Union List; option D abandons the harmonisation altogether.
4. Pith and substance and harmonious construction are complementary tools: the former tests the dominant character of an enactment, the latter resolves apparent conflict between entries.
_Source: ICSI CS Executive — Lesson 2, 'Interpretation of the Legislative Lists — Harmonious Construction', p. 66._
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