ATMA RAM vs THE STATE OF PUNJAB AND OTHERS(and connected petition)

The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Punjab Security of Land Tenure Act (Punj. X of 1953), as amended by Act XI of 1955, stating that the Act's provisions limiting land ownership for self-cultivation and allowing tenants to purchase land were within the legislative competence of the State under Entry 18 of List II of the Seventh Schedule. The Court ruled that these measures fell under 'rights in or over land' and were consistent with Article 246(3) of the Constitution, thus not infringing upon Articles 14, 19(1)(f), and 31. The Act was deemed to modify landowners' rights in a manner protected by Article 31A(1)(a).