When the Constitution took effect, the Government automatically took ownership of all property that was previously held by or for the Government. This includes both movable and immovable property, as well as any assets that were used for government purposes. Any property that was legally supposed to go to the Government—for example, if someone died without heirs—also now goes to the Government. This rule only applies to property that was already tied to the Government, not to your personal property.

All property, whether movable or immovable, and all assets which immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution were vested in any authority or person for the purposes of or in right of the Government or in the Government shall, on the coming into force of this Constitution, vest in the Government, subject to the provisions of Chapter Fifteen of this Constitution.

Any property which was immediately before the coming into force of this Constitution liable to escheat or to be forfeited to any person or authority in right of the Government shall, on the coming into force of this Constitution, be liable to escheat or to be forfeited to the Government.

Article 284 ensures that all government property and assets remain under government ownership and that forfeitable property continues to be subject to government claims.

Article 284: Government taking over old property

284.Succession to property

Summary