Part XII: Finance, Property, Contracts and Suits

Article 291: Privy Purse Sums of Rulers

Original Article:

Article 291, as originally enacted, provided for the payment of privy purse sums to rulers of princely states who agreed to integrate their territories into the Union of India. This article was omitted by the Constitution (Twenty-sixth Amendment) Act, 1971.

Explanations:

Privy purse sums were financial payments made to the rulers of princely states as part of their agreements to join the Indian Union after independence. These payments symbolized respect for their contributions while ensuring a smooth transition to democratic governance. The abolition of Article 291 in 1971 marked India's commitment to equality and the elimination of hereditary privileges.

Key Provisions:

Clause 1: Financial Commitments to Rulers

The privy purse sums were charged to the Consolidated Fund of India and were determined based on the revenues of the respective princely states prior to integration.

Clause 2: Abolition by the Twenty-sixth Amendment

Article 291 was omitted in 1971, ending all privy purse payments and associated privileges. This change reflected a shift towards a more egalitarian society.

Real-Life Examples:

Before its abolition, Article 291 ensured payments to rulers such as the Maharaja of Mysore and the Nizam of Hyderabad. The abolition led to significant debates on state obligations and the relevance of such payments in a modern democracy.

Amendments:

The Twenty-sixth Amendment to the Constitution, enacted in 1971, abolished Article 291. This amendment aimed to end special privileges for princely rulers, aligning with India's democratic ethos.

Historical Significance:

Article 291 played a crucial role in India's integration process by honoring commitments made to princely states during independence. Its abolition in 1971 marked a turning point in India's efforts to establish a more equal society.

Debates and Deliberations:

In the Constituent Assembly, members debated the necessity of privy purses to ensure peaceful integration. Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel emphasized their importance as a temporary measure. During the Twenty-sixth Amendment debates, Prime Minister Indira Gandhi argued for their abolition, citing the need for social equality.

• Shri Brajeshwar Prasad supported the payments as a means of honoring integration commitments.
• Shri Bhupesh Gupta criticized the continuance of such payments, labeling them as anachronistic in a democratic society.

References:

• Constitution of India: Full text and amendments of Article 291.
• Integration of Princely States: Historical accounts of India’s integration process.
• Constituent Assembly Debates: Discussions on privy purse provisions and their abolition.