What are some potential impacts of the Fortieth Amendment Act on the interpretation and application of Article 297?
The Fortieth Amendment Act, 1976, amended Article 297 of the Indian Constitution by adding a new section, Section 363. This new section stipulates that all lands, minerals, and other things of value underlying the ocean within India's territorial waters, continental shelf, or exclusive economic zone shall vest in the Union and be held for its purposes. Additionally, all other resources of the exclusive economic zone of India shall also vest in the Union and be held for its purposes.

Potential impacts of this amendment on the interpretation and application of Article 297 could include:

1. Increased control by the central government over natural resources within India's maritime zones, including territorial waters, continental shelf, and exclusive economic zone.

2. Enhanced ability for the central government to regulate trade, business, property acquisition, holding, disposal, and contract making related to these resources within these maritime zones.

3. Possible restrictions on state governments' powers over maritime resources, as they may need to coordinate with the central government in certain areas.

4. Potential for increased legal disputes between central and state governments regarding jurisdiction and management of maritime resources.

5. Increased emphasis on environmental protection and sustainable resource management within India's maritime zones due to the central government's heightened control over these resources.