Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The right to property was originally a Fundamental Right under the Constitution of India. However, its status was changed through a constitutional amendment.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Initially, the Constitution guaranteed the right to property under two articles:
1. Article 19(1)(f): The right of citizens "to acquire, hold and dispose of property".
2. Article 31: Protection against deprivation of property save by authority of law.
The 44th Amendment Act, 1978, made significant changes to this position.
- It repealed Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31 from Part III (Fundamental Rights) of the Constitution.
- It inserted a new article, Article 300-A, in Part XII of the Constitution.
Article 300-A states: "No person shall be deprived of his property save by authority of law."
As a result, the right to property is no longer a Fundamental Right but has become a constitutional/legal right. This means that while a person can seek a remedy for its violation, they cannot directly approach the Supreme Court under Article 32 as they can for Fundamental Rights.