Suppose the Government of Rajasthan was opposed to the Central Government's nuclear policy, could it prevent the Government of India from conducting the nuclear tests?
No, the Government of Rajasthan cannot prevent the Government of India from conducting nuclear tests. Nuclear policy falls under the domain of the Central Government, as it relates to defence and national security, which are subjects in the Union List. The State Government does not have the authority to interfere in matters that fall within the exclusive jurisdiction of the Union Government.
The Constitution clearly divides powers between the Union and State Governments. In case of any dispute regarding the division of powers, the High Courts and the Supreme Court make the final decision. Therefore, even if Rajasthan opposes the policy, it cannot stop the Central Government from conducting tests at Pokharan.
Explanation
The textbook context establishes that there is a clear division of powers between the Union and State Governments. While the context mentions that 'the Parliament's power to make laws on subjects in the Union List was fully accepted,' it indicates that defence and nuclear matters fall under Union jurisdiction. The judiciary (High Courts and Supreme Court) resolves disputes about division of powers. The context also emphasizes that 'this sharing of power between the Union Government and the State Governments is basic to the structure of the Constitution.' Therefore, a State Government cannot override the Central Government's authority on matters like nuclear policy that belong to the Union List.
Solution Steps
Step 1: Identify that nuclear policy is a matter of national importance falling under Union jurisdiction.
Step 2: Apply the constitutional principle of division of powers between Union and State Governments.
Step 3: Conclude that States cannot interfere in matters reserved for the Union Government.