Provision:
Protection of Property Rights
No person shall be deprived of their property save in accordance with the law.
No property shall be compulsorily acquired or taken possession of except for a public purpose and with compensation as determined by law.
Nothing in this article prevents the state from imposing taxes, acquiring property for public welfare, or enforcing laws relating to land reforms, tenancy, or the administration of estates.
Meaning:
Article 24 protects individuals from unlawful seizure of their property. It ensures that any acquisition by the state must follow legal procedures, serve a public purpose (such as building roads or schools), and be accompanied by fair compensation.
The article also recognises the state’s authority to impose taxes or regulate land through broader welfare or reform-based policies, ensuring that property rights don’t override public interest.
Application:
If the government acquires land to construct a public hospital or highway, it must provide proper compensation and follow legal processes under Article 24.
However, this article does not prevent the state from enforcing land reforms or tenancy regulations, even if it limits private ownership—so long as the law is followed and the action serves a public purpose. Unlawful occupation or seizure without due process would violate this constitutional right.