Articles 301 to 307 in Part XIII of the Indian Constitution deal with trade, commerce, and intercourse within the territory of India.
Overview:
- Article 301: Declares that trade, commerce, and intercourse throughout India shall be free, aiming to remove barriers between states and encourage the free flow of trade and commerce.
Restrictions and Provisions:
Parliamentary Authority:
- Parliament can impose restrictions on trade, commerce, and intercourse between states or within a state in the public interest.
- However, Parliament cannot favor one state over another or discriminate between states, except in cases of goods scarcity.
State Legislative Authority:
- State legislatures can impose reasonable restrictions on trade, commerce, and intercourse within the state or with other states in the public interest.
- A bill for this purpose can only be introduced in the state legislature with prior approval from the President.
- State legislatures cannot favor one state over another or discriminate between states.
Taxation and Discrimination:
- State legislatures can impose taxes on goods imported from other states or union territories, provided they are taxed similarly to goods manufactured in the state.
- This provision prohibits discriminatory taxation by the state.
Subject to Nationalization Laws:
- The freedom under Article 301 is subject to laws providing for monopolies in favor of the Centre or the states, also known as nationalization laws.