The court has set out to decide whether the words material resources of the community used in Article 39 (b) of the Constitution also includes private property. This debate has spanned decades and has been interpreted differently by several courts of law. Once the SC answers this question, the definition will be important for any debate on wealth redistribution.
Supreme Court scrutinizes private property under Constitution, seeking clarity on community resources. Nine judges interpret Article 39 b, debating control and redistribution, excluding Marxist views. The role of state in addressing inequality amidst market economics remains pivotal.
The Supreme Court on Wednesday said it would be "dangerous" to say that the private property of an individual cannot be regarded as material resources of community and taken over by state authorities to subserve "common good".