Part XIII: Trade, Commerce and Intercourse within India
Articles 301–307 · A compact but important Part guaranteeing that trade, commerce and the movement of goods and people can flow freely across state borders within India — treating the country as a single common market, while still allowing reasonable regulation.
The provisions in this Part cited most often
With landmark Supreme Court cases that shaped how they're actually applied.
Freedom of trade, commerce and intercourse
Guarantees that trade, commerce and movement throughout India's territory shall be free — states cannot erect internal tariff-like barriers the way separate countries might.
All of Articles 301–307
Grouped by subject so related provisions stay together — every article number in this Part is covered below.
Freedom of trade, commerce and intercourse
Trade, commerce and movement of goods/people throughout India's territory shall be free, subject to the rest of this Part.
Parliament's power to impose restrictions
Parliament can impose restrictions on trade/commerce/intercourse between states or within any part of India in the public interest.
Restrictions on the Union and States' power to make discriminatory laws
Bars laws giving one state a preference over another in trade matters, except when Parliament declares it necessary due to a genuine scarcity of goods in some part of India.
Restrictions a State can impose on trade
A State Legislature can impose reasonable restrictions in the public interest, and can tax goods from other states at the same rate as similar goods produced within the state (no discriminatory local taxes), with the President's prior sanction.
Saving of existing laws and laws providing for State monopolies
Protects certain pre-existing laws and laws creating State monopolies in specific trades/businesses from being struck down under this Part.
(Repealed)
Originally dealt with the erstwhile State of Rajasthan's specific trade arrangements; no longer relevant and repealed.
Appointment of an authority for Articles 301–304
Lets Parliament appoint an authority to carry out the purposes of these Articles — not significantly used in practice.
Related rights categories
Quick answers about this Part
Can one state ban the entry of goods from another state to protect local businesses?
This is a plain-language guide to Part XIII of the Constitution of India for general educational purposes, not a substitute for the bare text of the Constitution or professional legal advice. Article numbering and content reflect amendments up to 2026; always cross-check the authoritative text at india.gov.in or legislative.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter.