Home The Constitution Part XVI Article 331

Art. 331 Part XVI: Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes

(Repealed) Representation of the Anglo-Indian Community in the House of the People

Exact text — Constitution of India

[This Article, which originally allowed the President to nominate up to two Anglo-Indian members to the Lok Sabha if the President felt the community wasn't adequately represented, was periodically extended by amendment for decades before finally being formally omitted by the 104th Amendment, 2019, when the nomination provision was allowed to lapse.]

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

For nearly 70 years, this Article gave the President discretion to nominate up to two Anglo-Indian community members to the Lok Sabha if that community lacked adequate elected representation — a specific accommodation for a small community with a distinct colonial-era history in India. The provision was extended repeatedly by successive amendments before Parliament finally let it lapse in 2019.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This Article's long life and eventual retirement illustrates how the Constitution sometimes carries specific, targeted protections for small communities that get periodically reviewed and eventually phased out once policymakers judge them no longer necessary.

Read alongside this one

Art. 333 — (Repealed) Representation of Anglo-Indians in State Assemblies

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 331

Is there still any special Anglo-Indian representation in Parliament today?

No — since the 104th Amendment in 2019, this nomination provision (and its State Assembly counterpart, Article 333) has lapsed and is no longer in effect.

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The text above reproduces Article 331 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.