6.22. Article 31A

Article 31A saves 5 categories of laws from being challenged and invalidated on the ground of contravention of Fundamental Rights conferred by Article 14 and Article 19. They are related to agricultural land reforms, industry and commerce.

Added by 1st Amendment Act, it allows the State to nationalize private property. The idea was to give effect to land reforms.

Both Parliament and State Legislatures can make laws. This article, however doesn’t immunize a state law unless it has been reserved for the consideration of the President and has received his assent.

This article also provides for payment of compensation at market value when the state acquires a land held by a person for cultivation below the statutory ceiling limit.