WANCHOO, C. J.—These are connected applications under Art. 226 of the Constitution of India challenging the validity of the Rajasthan Agricultural Rents Control Act (No. XIX) of 1952.

2. The Act was passed on the 14th May, 1952, and was enforced in the districts of Bharatpur and Alwar on the 16th May, 1952. The main contentions of the applicants are that the Act was void in view of Art. 13 of the Constitution because (1) it offends Art. 14, and (2) is not a reasonable restriction on the fundamental right conferred on the applicants by Art. 19 (1)(f), and cannot therefore be saved by Art. 19(5) of the Constitution.

3. The applications have been opposed by the State, and it is contended that the Act is not hit by Art. 14, and is saved by Art. 19 (5) as a reasonable restriction on the fundamental right conferred by Art. 19(1)(f) of the Constitution.

4. The main argument, however, has been confined to Art. 14, and is directed against sec. 1(3) of the Act. It may be mentioned that the Act, as it stand, is a permanent measure, and by sec. 1, sub-sec. (2) it extends to the whole of Rajasthan sub-sec. (3), however, reads as follows:—

"It shall come into force on such date and in such areas of

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