Actual Article
Article 306: Power of certain States in Part B of the First Schedule to impose restrictions on trade and commerce
Repealed by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956.
Explanation:
- Repeal of Article 306: Originally, Article 306 granted certain powers to States in Part B of the First Schedule to impose restrictions on trade and commerce. However, this article was repealed by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956.
- Seventh Amendment: The Seventh Amendment reorganized states and territories in India, leading to the repeal of Article 306 and other related provisions to reflect the new political and administrative realities.
Key Points:
- Historical Context: Article 306 was relevant in the context of the original Constitution but was rendered obsolete by the reorganization of states.
- Constitutional Amendments: The repeal of Article 306 showcases the dynamic nature of the Constitution, allowing for amendments to address changing administrative and political needs.
Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 306
Cases:
- No specific landmark cases directly related to Article 306 due to its repeal in 1956.
Commissions:
- States Reorganization Commission (1953-1955): Played a crucial role in the reorganization of states, which led to the repeal of Article 306.
Important Reports Related to Article 306:
- States Reorganization Commission Report: Provided recommendations for the reorganization of states and territories, leading to the repeal of several articles, including Article 306.
Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 306
- (UPSC Prelims 2016) What happened to Article 306 of the Indian Constitution?
- A. It was amended to include new provisions
- B. It was repealed by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956
- C. It was upheld by the Supreme Court
- D. It was merged with another article Correct Answer: B. It was repealed by the Constitution (Seventh Amendment) Act, 1956
- (UPSC Prelims 2018) Why was Article 306 repealed?
- A. To introduce new economic policies
- B. Due to the reorganization of states under the Seventh Amendment
- C. To promote foreign trade
- D. To reduce taxes on trade Correct Answer: B. Due to the reorganization of states under the Seventh Amendment
Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 306
- Mains 2016: “Discuss the reasons behind the repeal of Article 306 in the context of the Seventh Amendment of the Indian Constitution. How did the reorganization of states influence constitutional provisions?”
- Mains 2019: “Evaluate the impact of the States Reorganization Act on the constitutional framework of India. What were the key changes introduced, and how did they affect the governance structure?”
Additional Insights:
- Reorganization of States: The repeal of Article 306 was part of the broader effort to reorganize states and territories in a manner that better reflected linguistic, cultural, and administrative needs.
- Adaptive Constitution: The repeal exemplifies how the Indian Constitution adapts to evolving political and administrative circumstances through amendments and legal reforms.
Understanding the historical context and reasons behind the repeal of Article 306 is important for UPSC aspirants as it provides insights into the dynamic nature of the Indian Constitution and its capacity to evolve with changing needs. This knowledge is essential for both preliminary and main examinations, offering a comprehensive understanding of the constitutional amendments and their impact on governance within India.