First constitutional Amendment act Context: 2026 marks 75 years of passage of The Constitution (First Amendment) Act, 1951, amending the constitution for the first time. About the First Amendment Land Reforms and Right to Property Amendments were made to Article 19(1)(f) and Article 31 to give the State authority to place reasonable limits on property rights. This made it possible to carry out land reforms and acquire land for public purposes, helping abolish the zamindari system. Freedom of Speech and Expression Changes to Article 19(2) widened the scope for restricting free speech. Grounds such as public order, national security, and relations with foreign countries were added as valid reasons for such restrictions. Social Justice for SCs and STs New provisions, Article 15(4) and Article 16(4), were introduced. These allow reservations in education and government jobs for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and other backward classes. Protection of Land Reform Laws Article 31A was added to safeguard land reform laws from being challenged on the basis of property rights. Article 31B along with the Ninth Schedule was introduced to keep such laws beyond judicial review. Directive for Welfare of Weaker Sections Article 46 was reinforced to ensure the State actively promotes the educational and economic welfare of SCs, STs, and other weaker sections with special attention.
