What is the purpose of Article 296 in the Indian Constitution?
Article 296 of the Indian Constitution deals with property accruing by escheat, lapse, or as bona vacantia (property without a rightful owner) within the territory of India. It states that such property, if situated in a State, shall vest in that State, and if situated in any other case, shall vest in the Union. The article also provides a clarification that any property in possession or under control of the Government of India or the Government of a State at the date when it would have accrued to His Majesty or the Ruler of an Indian State shall vest in the Union or in that State, depending on the purposes for which it was then used or held. This article ensures proper allocation of ownerless property in the territory of India.