Part XXI - Temporary, Transitional and Special Provisions • Article

Article 371G Simplified: Special provision with respect to the State of Mizoram

Article 371G gives special constitutional arrangements for a particular State or region. These provisions recognise local history, tribal customs, regional development needs, law and order concerns, or institutional protections.

Official Text

Notwithstanding anything in this Constitution,- (a) no Act of Parliament in respect of- (i) religious or social practices of the Mizos; (ii) Mizo customary law and procedure; (iii) administration of civil and criminal justice involving decisions according to Mizo customary law; (iv) ownership and transfer of land; shall apply to the State of Mizoram unless the Legislative Assembly of the State of Mizoram by a resolution so decides: Provided that nothing in this clause shall apply to any Central Act in force in the Union territory of Mizoram immediately before the commencement of the Constitution (Fifty-third Amendment) Act, 1986; (b) the Legislative Assembly of the State of Mizoram shall consist of not less than forty members.]

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

Mizoram has a very unique culture, customary laws, and community rules for land. This rule ensures that the central Parliament cannot make laws that interfere with Mizo customs or land ownership unless the Mizoram Assembly itself votes to accept them.

Student Mode

Article 371G was inserted by the 53rd Constitutional Amendment Act of 1986, following the signing of the historic Mizo Peace Accord. Similar to Article 371A for Nagaland, it provides that no Act of Parliament in respect of Mizo religious or social practices, customary law and procedure, administration of civil/criminal justice involving customary decisions, and ownership/transfer of land will apply to Mizoram unless the Mizoram Legislative Assembly by resolution so decides. It also mandates that the Mizoram Assembly must consist of at least 40 members.

Example

For Nagaland, Assam, Manipur, Sikkim, Mizoram, Arunachal Pradesh, Karnataka, or related regional arrangements, Article 371G tells you what special rule applies before ordinary laws are assumed to operate.

Key Takeaway

Article 371G is a State-specific constitutional safeguard or administrative arrangement.

FAQs

What are the key similarities and differences between Article 371A (Nagaland) and Article 371G (Mizoram)?

Both protect social/religious practices, customary law, and land ownership from central acts unless approved by the state assembly. However, Article 371A gives the Nagaland Governor special responsibility for law and order and details Tuensang district administration, whereas Article 371G has no such Governor law-and-order clause and simply specifies a minimum assembly size of 40 members.

What was the historical catalyst for Article 371G?

It was the culmination of the 1986 Mizo Accord between the Union of India and the Mizo National Front (MNF), which ended two decades of insurgency and elevated Mizoram from a Union Territory to a full state with cultural and land protections.

Quiz

What is the minimum number of legislative assembly members mandated for Mizoram under Article 371G(b)?

Answer: 40 members

Article 371G was inserted into the Constitution following which historic peace agreement?

Answer: Mizo Peace Accord of 1986