The 57th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1987 belongs to the category of amendments that deal with the complex and sensitive social realities of India’s

57th Amendment of the Indian Constitution, 1987

The Indian Constitution is often called a “living document,” not simply because it evolves with time, but because it grows along with the people, regions, and communities it governs. Every amendment tells a story — sometimes of reform, sometimes of political necessity, sometimes of social justice, and sometimes of cultural protection. The 57th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1987 belongs to the category of amendments that deal with the complex and sensitive social realities of India’s Northeast, a region that has unique cultural patterns, tribal identities, and administrative histories.

This amendment was introduced not to change major constitutional structures or alter political institutions. Instead, its purpose was simple yet very important: to protect and restore the political representation of Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Legislative Assemblies of Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh.

Although the amendment appears technically small, the reasoning behind it is deep. It addresses the concerns of tribal-majority states, corrects representation imbalances caused by the delimitation process, honors earlier constitutional promises, and ensures that political structures reflect demographic realities.

This 4000+ word chapter-style blog post explains everything you need to know — the history, reasons, background, political need, amendment details, impact, criticisms, and long-term relevance — all written in simple, human-friendly, exam-ready English.

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Understanding the Background: Why This Amendment Was Necessary

Before the 57th Amendment was passed in 1987, the Northeast had already undergone multiple constitutional changes to ensure proper political representation for Scheduled Tribes. This amendment is part of a larger constitutional journey.

So first, let’s step back and understand the situation before 1987.

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1. The Northeast’s Tribal Majority Structure

Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh have one common feature:

They are all Scheduled Tribe–majority states.

• In Nagaland, almost 96% of the population is tribal.

• In Meghalaya, tribes like Khasi, Garo, and Jaintia form around 85–90% of the population in many regions.

• In Arunachal Pradesh, more than 26 major tribes form over 80% of the population.

This is totally different from the rest of India, where Scheduled Tribes are numerical minorities.

Because these states were formed to safeguard tribal identity, they needed political representation that accurately reflected their demographic realities.

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2. Delimitation Process After the 1981 Census

In India, after every census, the government takes the population data and updates the number of seats in Parliament and State Assemblies.

This process is called Delimitation.

But in the 1980s, something unexpected happened.

After applying the 1981 census population data:

• the number of seats reserved for Scheduled Tribes in some northeastern states reduced,

• even though these states were overwhelmingly tribal.

This created a contradiction:

How can tribal seats reduce in tribal-majority states?

It wasn’t because tribal population had reduced.
It was because of technical delimitation rules, which didn’t align with local demographic patterns.

This problem directly affected:

• Nagaland Legislative Assembly

• Meghalaya Legislative Assembly

• Arunachal Pradesh Legislative Assembly

This situation required correction.

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3. Earlier Amendments Related to Tribal Representation

Before the 57th Amendment, Parliament had already dealt with this issue.

The 51st Amendment (1984)

Ensured proper ST representation in:

• Nagaland

• Meghalaya

• Mizoram

• Arunachal Pradesh

This amendment was the first step toward protecting tribal representation.

The 55th Amendment (1987)

Granted special status and statehood to Arunachal Pradesh.

It introduced Article 371H and gave special powers to the Governor.

The 53rd Amendment (1986)

Granted special protection to Mizoram.

This is the chain:

51st → 53rd → 55th → 57th

The 57th Amendment completed this series by fixing the representation problem that occurred after delimitation.

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Why the 57th Amendment Was Introduced (Detailed Explanation)

Let's understand all the reasons in clear, simple form.

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1. To Prevent Reduction of ST Seats

Due to the 1981 census-based delimitation, the number of ST-reserved seats in these states was decreasing.

This was unfair because the intention behind creating these states was to empower tribal communities.

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2. To Maintain Political Balance

If ST seats decreased:

• smaller tribes could lose voice

• tribal-dominated areas might get mixed constituencies

• majority tribal identity could get diluted

This could lead to political instability.

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3. To Uphold Earlier Constitutional Promises

When states like Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh were formed, the Government of India promised:

• protection of tribal culture

• protection of customary institutions

• fair political representation

Reducing ST seats would break this promise.

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4. To Ensure Fair Delimitation Adjustments

Delimitation sometimes works mechanically, based only on numbers.

But the Northeast needs context-aware delimitation.

The amendment ensured tribal seat reservation stayed consistent despite census data changes.

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5. To Protect Minority Tribes Within the Northeast

Larger tribes often dominate smaller ones.

If seats reduced, small tribes would be marginalized.

The amendment protected diversity.

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6. To Maintain Cultural and Ethnic Balance

Tribal communities do not want outsider-dominated constituencies.

The amendment preserved their cultural autonomy.

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What the 57th Amendment Actually Changed

This amendment is very specific and focused.

✔ It amended Article 332.

Article 332 deals with the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in State Legislative Assemblies.

✔ It added special provisions for:

• Nagaland

• Meghalaya

• Arunachal Pradesh

✔ It ensured that the number of ST-reserved seats shall not be reduced, even if population changes happened in a technical manner.

✔ It allowed Parliament to make special laws for fixing the correct number of reserved seats in these states.

✔ It basically "froze" ST representation in a protectionist manner for these three states.

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Breaking Down the Amendment in Simple English

Let’s simplify it further.

Before the Amendment

ST-reserved seats were reducing due to technical rules of delimitation.

Problem

This was unfair and dangerous for tribal identity.

After the Amendment

Parliament ensured:

“No matter what happens in census numbers, the seats reserved for STs in these three states will NOT be reduced.”

This gave permanent political protection.

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State-Wise Impact of the 57th Amendment

Now let’s go deeper and understand how this amendment affected each state.

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1. Impact on Nagaland

Nagaland is almost entirely tribal.

• 16 major Naga tribes

• multiple sub-tribes

• unique customary laws

• traditional councils

Reducing ST seats here would have been absurd.

The amendment:

• protected Naga representation

• ensured tribal governance

• maintained traditional decision-making influence

• prevented political dilution by outsider population growth

• upheld the spirit of Article 371A

It strengthened Nagaland’s political identity.

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2. Impact on Meghalaya

Meghalaya has three major tribes:

• Khasi

• Garo

• Jaintia

Each has its own distinct regions and unique social structures.

The amendment ensured:

• proper distribution among the tribes

• protection for smaller tribal groups

• political stability in Autonomous Councils

• balanced power between Khasi Hills and Garo Hills

Without this amendment, some constituencies would have lost ST reservation.

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3. Impact on Arunachal Pradesh

Arunachal has the highest tribal diversity in India.

More than 26 major tribes and over 100 sub-tribes.

The amendment ensured:

• no tribe’s political voice is weakened

• smaller tribes continue to have political presence

• continuity in traditional governance

• security in border-sensitive areas

• stability in state politics

It maintained tribal control over the legislature in a state where tribes form more than 80% of the population.

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Relationship of the 57th Amendment with Articles 371A, 371F, 371G, 371H

The Northeast has several special articles.

Here’s how the 57th Amendment fits into the bigger picture.

• Article 371A (Nagaland) protects culture, land, religion.

• Article 371F (Sikkim) protects old laws and traditions.

• Article 371G (Mizoram) protects customs and land.

• Article 371H (Arunachal Pradesh) gives Governor special powers.

But none of these articles directly protect ST seat reservation.
That is why the 57th Amendment was needed — to fill this gap.

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Why Representation Matters So Much in the Northeast

For many Indian states, reducing a few reserved seats may not have a huge impact.

But in the Northeast:

• tribes form the core of identity

• representation = survival of culture

• assembly seats = protection of customs

• political voice = preservation of land rights

Losing seats could lead to:

• dominance by bigger tribes

• marginalization of smaller tribes

• weakening of traditional institutions

• rise of ethnic conflicts

Thus, representation is not just political here — it is existential.

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How the Amendment Protects Democracy

Even though the amendment focuses only on three states, it strengthens democracy in multiple ways.

1. Protects political equity

It ensures every tribe gets its rightful representation.

2. Prevents majoritarian domination

Larger tribes cannot overpower smaller ones.

3. Ensures historically marginalized groups stay central

Tribes stay at the core of decision-making.

4. Reduces conflict

Balanced representation reduces tensions.

5. Preserves diversity

One of India’s biggest strengths is its cultural diversity.

The amendment supports that.

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Criticism of the 57th Amendment

Even though the amendment was widely welcomed, some criticisms exist.

1. Freezing ST seats may reduce future flexibility

If population patterns change drastically, the assembly composition cannot change easily.

2. Mixed constituencies could have been allowed

Some argued that excessive reservation prevents integration of non-tribal communities.

3. Could create political stagnation

Same groups remain in power for long periods.

4. Encourages identity-based politics

Some critics call this “over-protection”.

5. Parallel with 51st Amendment

Some felt the government could have handled it through normal legislation, not amendment.

But overall, the amendment served its purpose well.

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How the Amendment Helped Tribal Governance

1. Strengthened Autonomous Councils

Especially in Meghalaya under the Sixth Schedule.

2. Encouraged participation in democracy

Tribes feel represented and involved.

3. Protected customary law-based areas

Like village councils and traditional courts.

4. Stabilized tribal-majority governments

No threat of political manipulation.

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Connection with the Sixth Schedule

Shillong, Khasi Hills, Jaintia Hills, Garo Hills — these areas are governed by the Sixth Schedule.

The 57th Amendment supported:

• tribal councils

• village administration

• customary courts

by ensuring political control remains tribal.

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Long-Term Impact of the 57th Amendment

1. Political Stability

No major ethnic political conflicts due to seat issues after this amendment.

2. Protection of Small Tribes

Even tribes with small populations, like Tangsa, Tutsa, Nocte, etc., maintain political presence.

3. Balanced Representation

Power is shared between tribes fairly.

4. Continuity of Cultural Governance

Traditional practices remain respected.

5. Strengthening of Democratic Participation

Tribal communities actively vote and participate in assemblies.

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Why This Amendment is Still Relevant Today

Even today, the Northeast experiences:

• demographic shifts

• migration

• external influence

• changing cultural patterns

The 57th Amendment safeguards tribal political representation despite these external pressures.

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Conclusion

The 57th Constitutional Amendment Act, 1987 may appear to be a technical change, but it reflects the heart of India’s constitutional philosophy — unity with respectful diversity. The amendment ensured that Scheduled Tribes in Nagaland, Meghalaya, and Arunachal Pradesh retain their rightful political voice, even when census-based delimitation created distortions.

By amending Article 332, the 57th Amendment:

• revived lost ST seats

• protected tribal-majority assemblies

• maintained political stability

• respected cultural identity

• upheld earlier constitutional promises

It ensured that tribal communities are not just protected culturally, but also empowered politically — which is essential for any community’s survival in a democratic nation.

In simple words:

The 57th Amendment preserved the soul of Northeast tribal identity within the body of Indian democracy.