What is Article 307 of Indian Constitution – Defination & Meaning

Article 307: Appointment of authority for carrying out the purposes of articles 301 to 304 Parliament may by law appoint such authority as it considers
📅 Part XIII – Trade, Commerce and Intercourse Within the Territory of India
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📚 UPSC Relevant

Article Number

307

part

Part XIII – Trade, Commerce and Intercourse Within the Territory of India

Status

Active

Full Definition & Explanation

Article 307 of the Indian Constitution allows Parliament to appoint an authority to implement the provisions of Articles 301 to 304. These articles deal with trade, commerce, and intercourse between states and within the territories of India. Essentially, Article 307 empowers Parliament to create a body that can oversee and ensure that the principles of free trade and commerce are upheld across the nation. This has a direct impact on how goods and services move between states, ensuring that no state imposes unfair restrictions on trade. The authority appointed under Article 307 can be granted specific powers and responsibilities. This flexibility allows Parliament to tailor the authority’s role based on current economic needs and challenges. For example, if a state imposes excessive taxes on goods from another state, the authority can intervene to ensure fair practices. This helps maintain a smooth flow of commerce, benefiting businesses and consumers alike. Also, it promotes healthy competition among states, which can lead to better prices and services for consumers. In practical terms, Article 307 can affect various stakeholders, including businesses, consumers, and state governments. It creates an environment where states work towards collective economic growth rather than individual interests that may hinder national commerce. While this article does not outline specific exceptions, the authority’s actions are meant to align with the broader goals of the Constitution, promoting unity and economic harmony across India. This ultimately fosters a marketplace that is accessible and equitable for all citizens, regardless of their state of residence.

Historical Context

These articles deal with trade, commerce, and intercourse between states and within the territories of India. Essentially, Article 307 empowers Parliament to create a body that can oversee and ensure that the principles of free trade and commerce are upheld across the nation. This has a direct impact on how goods and services move between states, ensuring that no state imposes unfair restrictions on trade. The authority appointed under Article 307 can be granted specific powers and responsibilities. Article 307 of the Indian Constitution allows Parliament to appoint an authority to implement the provisions of Articles 301 to 304. This flexibility allows Parliament to tailor the authority’s role based on current economic needs and challenges.

Key Features

– Parliament can appoint an authority under Article 307.
– The authority ensures the implementation of Articles 301 to 304.
– It has the power to intervene in trade practices between states.
– The appointed authority’s responsibilities can be tailored by Parliament.
– This article promotes free trade and commerce across India.

Importance & Impact

– Article 307 helps maintain fair trade practices among states
– It allows Parliament to create necessary economic authorities
– The authority can resolve trade disputes between states effectively
– This article supports economic unity across different regions
– It plays a role in protecting consumers from unfair practices.

Sample UPSC Question

Which of the following statements about Article 307 is correct? A. It allows states to impose taxes on inter-state trade. B. Parliament can appoint an authority to implement trade regulations. C. Article 307 has undergone multiple amendments since 1950. D. The authority appointed has no powers over state policies. Select the correct option.? Analyze these options carefully in light of the constitutional distribution of legislative and executive powers

Which of the statements given above is/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 B. Article 307 empowers Parliament to appoint an authority to ensure the implementation of trade regulations across states. This role is key for maintaining uniformity in commerce and preventing trade barriers. Article 307 of the Indian Constitution allows Parliament to appoint an authority to implement the provisions of Articles 301 to 304.

Key Takeaways

✓ Article 307 allows Parliament to appoint an authority for trade.
✓ It ensures free trade practices among Indian states.
✓ The appointed authority can resolve trade disputes effectively.
✓ This article promotes economic unity in the country.
✓ It protects consumers from unfair trade practices

FAQs

Article 307 of the Indian Constitution allows Parliament to appoint an authority to implement the provisions of Articles 301 to 304. These articles deal with trade, commerce, and intercourse between states and within the territories of India. Essentially, Article 307 empowers Parliament to create a body that can oversee and ensure that the principles of free trade and commerce are upheld across the nation.

For example, if a state imposes excessive taxes on goods from another state, the authority can intervene to ensure fair practices. This helps maintain a smooth flow of commerce, benefiting businesses and consumers alike. Also, it promotes healthy competition among states, which can lead to better prices and services for consumers.

It creates an environment where states work towards collective economic growth rather than individual interests that may hinder national commerce. While this article does not outline specific exceptions, the authority’s actions are meant to align with the broader goals of the Constitution, promoting unity and economic harmony across India. This ultimately fosters a marketplace that is accessible and equitable for all citizens, regardless of their state of residence.

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Pramod Pal Founder and Editor-in-Chief

Pramod is the Founder and Editor-in-Chief of StudyHub. He holds a Master's degree and is currently pursuing a Ph.D. in Geology, alongside more than 7+ years spent building and verifying competitive exam content for Indian aspirants. He leads StudyHub's editorial process across Indian Polity, the Constitution, Indian Economy, History, Geography, Science, and the platform's other subject areas — checking every article against primary sources (bare act text and Gazette notifications for constitutional topics, government and Economic Survey data for economy content, standard reference material elsewhere) and flagging it for re-verification whenever a relevant amendment, policy, or data update makes an earlier version outdated.
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