Power of Parliament to impose restrictions on trade, commerce and intercourse
Quick Summary (TL;DR)
Article 302 (Power of Parliament to impose restrictions on trade, commerce and intercourse): Guarantees free trade, commerce, and movement of goods across state borders within India (Part XIII).
In Simple Citizen Words
Article 302 ('Power of Parliament to impose restrictions on trade, commerce and intercourse') in Part XIII (Articles 301–307) ensures the economic unity of India. While Article 301 declares that trade, commerce, and intercourse throughout the territory of India shall be free, Articles 302–307 regulate when Parliament or a State Legislature may impose non-discriminatory restrictions in the public interest. Specifically: Parliament may by law impose such restrictions on the freedom of trade, commerce or intercourse between one State and another or within any part of the territory of India as may be required in the public interest.
Key Constitutional Provisions
Constitutional Mandate (Art. 302): Directly codifies the legal rule for 'Power of Parliament to impose restrictions on trade, commerce and intercourse' under Part XIII
Sets a direct, self-contained constitutional command binding on public authorities across India
Requires transparent Parliamentary law-making and democratic accountability rather than arbitrary executive action
Exceptions & Reasonable Restrictions
Under Article 304(b), any State Bill imposing reasonable restrictions on inter-state trade in the public interest requires the previous sanction of the President (Atiabari Tea Co. & Jindal Stainless rulings).
Why This Matters in Daily Life
Allows farmers, traders, transporters, and businesses to sell and move goods across all 28 States and 8 UTs as one common national market.
Want deeper legal & historical context? Explore the official Bare Act or Supreme Court Precedents & CAD Debates: