Home The Constitution Part XXI Article 371F

Art. 371F Part XXI: Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions

Special Provisions With Respect to the State of Sikkim

Exact text — Constitution of India

Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution,—(a) the Legislative Assembly of the State of Sikkim shall consist of not less than thirty members; ... (f) the President may, for the purpose of protecting the rights and interests of the different sections of the population of Sikkim make provision for the number of seats in the Legislative Assembly of the State of Sikkim which may be filled by candidates belonging to such sections and for the delimitation of the assembly constituencies from which candidates belonging to such sections alone may stand for election to the Legislative Assembly of the State of Sikkim; (g) the Governor of Sikkim shall have special responsibility for peace and for an equitable arrangement for ensuring the social and economic advancement of different sections of the population of Sikkim...

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

Added following Sikkim's 1975 merger into India (replacing the earlier, short-lived Article 2A 'Associate State' arrangement), this Article provides an unusually comprehensive package of special protections — minimum Assembly size, reserved seats for different population sections, the Governor's special responsibility for social/economic advancement, and protection for laws already in force in Sikkim at the time of merger.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This Article's protections reflect the unique, carefully negotiated terms of Sikkim's integration — recognising it had been a genuinely separate protectorate (not part of British India) with its own distinct social and political arrangements that needed specific, sensitive constitutional accommodation.

Read alongside this one

Art. 2a — (Repealed) Sikkim's Association With the Union

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 371F

Why did Sikkim need this level of specific constitutional protection?

As a former independent Himalayan kingdom under Indian protection (not a British Indian province or ordinary princely state), Sikkim's 1975 merger required unusually careful, tailored constitutional arrangements to protect its distinct population, existing laws, and social structure.

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The text above reproduces Article 371F 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.