Background

  • The Constitution of India came into force on 26 January 1950.
  • Soon after, the government initiated land reform measures to abolish zamindari and redistribute land.
  • However, courts struck down some state land reform laws on the grounds of violation of the right to property.
  • To protect such laws and strengthen agrarian reforms, the Third Constitutional Amendment Act was passed in 1954.

Main Provisions and Key Facts

  1. Amended the Seventh Schedule to transfer certain subjects between the Union and State Lists, especially with regard to trade and commerce in commodities.
  2. Empowered the State legislatures to impose reasonable restrictions on the freedom of trade, commerce, and intercourse in the public interest.
  3. Ensured that Parliament and State legislatures could make laws relating to trade in essential commodities.
  4. Strengthened the constitutional backing for land reforms and agrarian laws.

Significance

  • Gave legal protection to land reform laws which were necessary for social justice and redistribution of land.
  • Clarified the balance of power between the Union and the States on trade and commerce.
  • Helped the government continue with policies of economic restructuring after Independence.

Criticism or Limitations

  • Critics argued that repeated amendments to protect land reform laws diluted the sanctity of Fundamental Rights.
  • Some viewed it as excessive legislative power at the cost of individual rights.

Key Points for Exams

  • Year: 1954
  • Amendment: Third Constitutional Amendment Act
  • Focus: Land reforms, trade and commerce, Seventh Schedule
  • Articles affected: Articles 31, 305
  • Purpose: To protect agrarian reform laws and regulate trade and commerce

In Short
The Third Constitutional Amendment Act, 1954 strengthened land reforms and clarified the powers of Parliament and States over trade and commerce, ensuring agrarian justice and regulation of essential commodities