Previously a Fundamental Right

• Before 1978, the Indian Constitution guaranteed the right to property as a fundamental right under Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31.
• This meant citizens had the right to acquire, hold, and dispose of their property.
• Article 31 also ensured that the government couldn't take over private property without due compensation and for public purposes only.

Change in 1978

• The 44th Amendment Act of 1978 changed the status of the Right to Property.
• Articles 19(1)(f) and 31 were removed from the list of fundamental rights.
• A new Article, 300-A, was introduced under Part XII of the Constitution.

Current Status: A legal right available to any person.

• Article 300-A states, "No person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law."
• This means the government can still acquire private property, but only under legal authorization.
• The law should be fair and reasonable, and the government has the power to decide the quantum of compensation.