What is Article 297 of Indian Constitution – Defination & Meaning

Article 297: Things of value within territorial waters or continental shelf and resources of the exclusive economic zone to vest in the Union (1) All lands,
📅 Part XII – Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits
🏷️Active

📚 UPSC Relevant

Article Number

297

part

Part XII – Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits

Status

Active

Bare Acts Text

Article 297: Things of value within territorial waters or continental shelf and resources of the exclusive economic zone to vest in the Union

  • (1) All lands, minerals and other things of value underlying the ocean within the territorial waters, or the continental shelf, or the exclusive economic zone, of India shall vest in the Union and be held for the purposes of the Union.
  • (2) All other resources of the exclusive economic zone of India shall also vest in the Union and be held for the purposes of the Union.
  • (3) The limits of the territorial waters, the continental shelf, the exclusive economic zone, and other maritime zones, of India shall be such as may be specified, from time to time, by or under any law made by Parliament.
READ ALSO  What is Article 92 of Indian Constitution - Defination & Meaning

Full Definition & Explanation

Article 297 of the Indian Constitution establishes that all valuable resources found in India’s territorial waters, continental shelf, and exclusive economic zone belong to the Union government. This means that any land, minerals, or other resources found beneath the ocean in these areas are managed by the Union for the benefit of the nation. This article affects marine resources and the management of oceanic spaces, emphasizing that the Union has ownership and control over these territories, which is key for national security and economic development. The article also outlines that the limits of these maritime zones can be defined and adjusted by laws passed by Parliament. This flexibility allows the government to adapt to changing geographical and geopolitical circumstances. For example, if new resources are discovered or if international maritime laws change, Parliament can legislate accordingly. The Union’s control over these resources helps in planning for sustainable development and ensuring that profits from these resources benefit the entire country, rather than just specific states or regions. Another practical impact of Article 297 is seen in fishing rights, mineral extraction, and energy exploration. The government can regulate these activities to prevent over-exploitation and protect the marine environment. This article therefore not only serves legal and administrative purposes but also plays a key role in environmental conservation. For instance, proper management can help balance economic interests with ecological sustainability, ensuring future generations can also benefit from marine resources.

Historical Context

This means that any land, minerals, or other resources found beneath the ocean in these areas are managed by the Union for the benefit of the nation. This article affects marine resources and the management of oceanic spaces, emphasizing that the Union has ownership and control over these territories, which is key for national security and economic development. The article also outlines that the limits of these maritime zones can be defined and adjusted by laws passed by Parliament. This flexibility allows the government to adapt to changing geographical and geopolitical circumstances.

Key Features

– All valuable resources in specified maritime zones belong to the Union.
– Parliament can define the limits of maritime zones as needed.
– The article covers resources in territorial waters and the continental shelf.
– It promotes sustainable management of ocean resources for national benefit.
– The Union government oversees extraction and usage of these resources.

Importance & Impact

– Union control helps manage resources for national security effectively
– Defines ownership of marine resources, preventing disputes between states
– Allows Parliament to adapt maritime laws to changing conditions
– Supports economic development through regulated resource extraction
– Encourages environmental conservation in managing oceanic resources

Sample UPSC Question

Consider the following statements regarding Article 297 of the Indian Constitution: A. It vests all resources in territorial waters with the Union. B. Parliament can define the limits of these maritime zones. C. It allows states to manage resources in their territorial waters. D. It promotes sustainable development of oceanic resources. Which of the above statements are correct
(a) 1 and 2 only
(b) 2 and 3 only
(c) 1 and 3 only
(d) 1, 2 and 3

Answer

The correct answer is A, B, and D. Article 297 ensures that all resources in territorial waters belong to the Union, while allowing Parliament to define maritime limits. This promotes sustainable development by regulating resource management. Article 297 of the Indian Constitution establishes that all valuable resources found in India’s territorial waters, continental shelf, and exclusive economic zone belong to the Union government.

Key Takeaways

✓ Union controls resources in territorial waters and exclusive zones.
✓ Parliament can adjust maritime boundaries as needed
✓ Sustainable management is key for marine resource use.
✓ Aims to prevent disputes over resource ownership among states.
✓ Supports national interests in economic and environmental matters.

FAQs

Article 297 of the Indian Constitution establishes that all valuable resources found in India’s territorial waters, continental shelf, and exclusive economic zone belong to the Union government. This means that any land, minerals, or other resources found beneath the ocean in these areas are managed by the Union for the benefit of the nation. This article affects marine resources and the management of oceanic spaces, emphasizing that the Union has ownership and control over these territories, which is.

For example, if new resources are discovered or if international maritime laws change, Parliament can legislate accordingly. The Union’s control over these resources helps in planning for sustainable development and ensuring that profits from these resources benefit the entire country, rather than just specific states or regions. Another practical impact of Article 297 is seen in fishing rights, mineral extraction, and energy exploration.

The government can regulate these activities to prevent over-exploitation and protect the marine environment. This article therefore not only serves legal and administrative purposes but also plays a key role in environmental conservation. For instance, proper management can help balance economic interests with ecological sustainability, ensuring future generations can also benefit from marine resources.

Related Articles

Editor-in-Chief Pramod

Founder and Editor-in-Chief at StudyHub. Pramod has spent over 7 years tracking Indian government recruitments and analyzing exam trends. He oversees the StudyHub editorial board, managing a dedicated team of subject-matter experts across History, Polity, Geography, Geology, and General Sciences. His mission is to ensure that every job alert and study resource published on StudyHub is 100% verified, accurate, and helpful for competitive exam aspirants.
Scroll to Top