FATEHCHAND HIMMATLAL & OTHERS vs STATE OF MAHARASHTRA ETC.

The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of the Maharashtra Debt Relief Act, 1976, ruling that the Act does not violate Article 304(b) of the Constitution regarding reasonable restrictions on trade. The Court clarified that money lending can be regulated by the State under Entry 30 of List II in the Seventh Schedule, and that the Act's provisions are not irreconcilable with the Gold Control Act, 1968. The Court emphasized the need for a broad interpretation of legislative entries and affirmed the State's legislative competence in enacting the Act.