Correct answer: (b) 1, 2 and 3
Explanation
- A
1 and 3
Option (a) claims that only items 1 and 3 are in the Concurrent List. It incorrectly leaves out item 2 regarding adulteration of foodstuffs and other goods, which also falls under List III of the Seventh Schedule. Thus, this choice is incomplete and incorrect.
- B
1, 2 and 3
Option (b) claims that all three items—Trade and Commerce, Adulteration of Goods, and Succession—are included in the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution. Trade and commerce in certain economic aspects, adulteration of foodstuffs and other goods, and succession along with personal law matters all fall under List III. Therefore, this option correctly identifies the inclusion of all given subjects and serves as the official key.
- C
Only 1
Option (c) claims that only item 1 is included in the Concurrent List. This ignores the constitutional placement of both adulteration and succession, which are well-established concurrent subjects under the division of powers. Hence, this option is too restrictive.
- D
2 and 3
Option (d) claims that only items 2 and 3 are included in the Concurrent List, omitting trade and commerce. Trade and commerce are subject to entries across different lists, including the Concurrent List under specific conditions, making this exclusion wrong.
Summary. Official key is (b) as all three listed subjects fall under the purview of the Concurrent List of the Indian Constitution. Item 1 regarding certain aspects of trade and commerce, item 2 concerning adulteration of foodstuffs and goods, and item 3 relating to succession and personal laws are all legislated upon by both Parliament and State Legislatures. Candidates often confuse concurrent subjects with exclusive state or union matters found in List I and List II. Thorough reading of the Seventh Schedule helps avoid such errors in matching subjects. Therefore, the combination encompassing all three statements is the only correct answer.