Article 371
Special Constitutional Provisions
Articles 371A to 371J provide special constitutional status to certain states, primarily in the Northeast and other sensitive regions. These provisions protect customary laws, land rights, employment opportunities for local residents, and cultural identities. Article 371A (Nagaland): No Act of Parliament applies to Nagaland in matters of religious/social practices, customary law, ownership or transfer of land and its resources — unless the Nagaland Legislative Assembly decides otherwise. Article 371F (Sikkim): Protects Sikkim's diverse ethnic communities; guarantees fair representation; existing laws continue. Article 371G (Mizoram): Similar protections as Nagaland — customary law, land, and social practices protected from parliamentary legislation.
- Article 371A: Inserted by the 13th Amendment Act, 1962 — based on the 16-Point Agreement with the Naga People's Convention (1960).
- Article 371F: Inserted by the 36th Amendment Act, 1975 — upon Sikkim's integration.
- Article 371G: Inserted by the 53rd Amendment Act, 1986 — upon Mizoram's attainment of statehood.
- Sixth Schedule (Articles 244(2) and 275(1)): Provides for Autonomous District Councils in tribal areas of Assam, Meghalaya, Tripura, and Mizoram — distinct from Article 371 protections.
● Tracked since April 07, 2026 · last seen July 16, 2026 · updates as the daily brief publishes