Section 4(22) in THE CONSTITUTION (TWENTY-SIXTH AMENDMENT) ACT, 1971
(22)"Ruler" means the Prince, Chief or other person who, at any time before the commencement of THE CONSTITUTION (Twenty-sixth Amendment) Act, 1971, was recognised by the President as the Ruler of an Indian State or any person who, at any time before such commencement, was recognised by the President as the successor of such Ruler;'.[The Constitution (Twenty-Sixth Amendment) Act, 1971, its aim was to abolish the practice of privy purses and thereby make the political system more democratic. In return for surrendering their powers, Articles 291 and 362 guaranteed royal families a tax-free privy purse which was approximately one-fourth of what they had earlier earned. Thus, Article 291 and Article 362 which restricted equality and social justice of the democratic system were removed from the Constitution. Additionally, article 366 was amended and Article 33A inserted. Therefore, the decision was made to eliminate privy pursues and privileges that were enjoyed by former rulers of India. All the rights, liabilities, as well as obligations regarding the purses of the privy, were abolished. Important Verdict-Shri Raghunathrao Ganpatrao vs Union Of India ]
