The Next 40 Amendments of the Indian Constitution

August 11, 2025

The Next 40 Amendments of the Indian Constitution – Amendments 41 to 80

The Indian Constitution continues to evolve as a living document, adapting to changing political, economic, and social realities. While the first 40 amendments (1951–1976) focused heavily on land reforms, state reorganisation, and emergency powers, the next 40 amendments (1976–1999) reflect India’s journey through administrative reforms, anti-defection measures, electoral adjustments, economic liberalisation, and judicial strengthening.

41st Amendment (1976)

Raised the retirement age of the Chairman and members of State Public Service Commissions from 60 to 62 years.
Impact: Provided continuity and stability in public service administration.

42nd Amendment (1976) – The Mini-Constitution

Introduced fundamental changes during the Emergency.
Added the words "Socialist", "Secular", and "Integrity" to the Preamble.
Curtailed the powers of the judiciary.
Made Directive Principles superior to Fundamental Rights in certain cases.
Impact: Strongly tilted the balance towards central power; remains one of the most controversial amendments.

43rd Amendment (1977)

Reversed some provisions of the 42nd Amendment.
Restored jurisdiction to the Supreme Court and High Courts.
Impact: Strengthened judicial independence after the Emergency.

44th Amendment (1978)

Replaced the term "internal disturbance" with "armed rebellion" in Emergency provisions.
Restored certain Fundamental Rights.
Limited the President’s power to declare Emergency without Cabinet approval.
Impact: Ensured stronger safeguards for civil liberties.

45th Amendment (1980)

Extended reservation for SCs and STs in legislatures for another 10 years.
Impact: Continued affirmative representation.

46th Amendment (1982)

Empowered states to levy taxes on the sale of goods in certain circumstances.
Impact: Strengthened state revenue powers.

47th Amendment (1984)

Added more land reform acts to the Ninth Schedule.
Impact: Protected state agrarian reforms from judicial review.

48th Amendment (1984)

Allowed President to extend President’s Rule in Punjab beyond one year.
Impact: Helped tackle insurgency in Punjab but raised debates on federalism.

49th Amendment (1984)

Provided special provisions for Tripura under Article 371H.
Impact: Addressed tribal and regional concerns.

50th Amendment (1984)

Strengthened laws for the protection of public order and security of the state.
Impact: Expanded scope of restrictions on Fundamental Rights in certain situations.

51st Amendment (1984)

Provided reservations in Parliament and assemblies for STs in Nagaland, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Arunachal Pradesh.
Impact: Safeguarded political representation in tribal states.

52nd Amendment (1985) – Anti-Defection Law

Added the Tenth Schedule.
Disqualified elected members if they defected from their political party.
Impact: Curbed political instability from frequent defections.

53rd Amendment (1986)

Provided special status to Mizoram under Article 371G after the peace accord.
Impact: Protected local customs, land laws, and culture.

54th Amendment (1986)

Increased the salaries of the President and Vice-President.
Impact: Updated remuneration for top constitutional offices.

55th Amendment (1986)

Granted special status to Arunachal Pradesh under Article 371H.
Impact: Gave Governor special law-and-order powers.

56th Amendment (1987)

Incorporated Goa as a full state and created Daman & Diu as a Union Territory.
Impact: Completed Goa’s transition from Union Territory to statehood.

57th Amendment (1987)

Provided reservations for STs in the legislative assemblies of Arunachal Pradesh, Meghalaya, Mizoram, and Nagaland.
Impact: Protected political rights of tribal populations.

58th Amendment (1987)

Allowed authoritative Hindi translation of the Constitution.
Impact: Promoted constitutional access in the official language.

59th Amendment (1988)

Gave the President powers to impose Emergency in Punjab and suspend certain Fundamental Rights.
Impact: Addressed terrorism in Punjab but raised concerns over civil liberties.

60th Amendment (1988)

Increased the ceiling on profession tax to ₹2,500.
Impact: Enabled states to revise tax rates.

61st Amendment (1989)

Reduced voting age from 21 to 18 years.
Impact: Expanded youth participation in democracy.

62nd Amendment (1989)

Extended SC/ST reservation in legislatures for another 10 years.
Impact: Continued social justice measures.

63rd Amendment (1989)

Repealed Article 359A, which had been inserted during the Emergency.
Impact: Removed special restrictions on Fundamental Rights.

64th Amendment (1990)

Extended President’s Rule in Punjab.
Impact: Continued central governance to maintain law and order.

65th Amendment (1990)

Established the National Commission for SCs and STs.
Impact: Strengthened institutional mechanisms for social justice.

66th Amendment (1990)

Added more laws to the Ninth Schedule.
Impact: Protected certain state policies from court challenges.

67th Amendment (1990)

Extended President’s Rule in Punjab beyond three years.
Impact: Allowed prolonged central intervention.

68th Amendment (1991)

Further extended President’s Rule in Punjab.
Impact: Central control continued in the face of militancy.

69th Amendment (1991)

Gave Delhi a legislative assembly and Council of Ministers.
Impact: Granted partial statehood to Delhi.

70th Amendment (1992)

Changed the electoral college composition for electing the President.
Impact: Included Union Territories in the Presidential election process.

71st Amendment (1992)

Added Konkani, Manipuri, and Nepali to the Eighth Schedule.
Impact: Recognised more Indian languages.

72nd Amendment (1992)

Provided reservations for STs in Goa assembly.
Impact: Protected representation in a newly formed state.

73rd Amendment (1992) – Panchayati Raj

Gave constitutional status to Panchayati Raj institutions.
Impact: Strengthened grassroots democracy.

74th Amendment (1992) – Urban Local Bodies

Gave constitutional status to municipalities.
Impact: Empowered urban self-governance.

75th Amendment (1994)

Strengthened laws relating to recovery of debts due to banks and financial institutions.
Impact: Enhanced financial sector reforms.

76th Amendment (1994)

Reserved 69% seats in Tamil Nadu for backward classes despite Supreme Court’s 50% cap.
Impact: Protected Tamil Nadu’s reservation policy.

77th Amendment (1995)

Restored reservation in promotions for SC/ST employees.
Impact: Secured career advancement opportunities for disadvantaged groups.

78th Amendment (1995)

Added more land reform laws to the Ninth Schedule.
Impact: Shielded certain policies from judicial review.

79th Amendment (1999)

Extended SC/ST and Anglo-Indian reservation in legislatures for 10 more years.
Impact: Continued affirmative political measures.

80th Amendment (1999)

Introduced the Alternative Scheme of Devolution of Taxes between the Centre and States.
Impact: Improved fiscal federalism.

Conclusion

The 41st to 80th amendments showcase India’s constitutional adaptability in a changing socio-political environment. From protecting tribal rights and curbing political defection to empowering grassroots governance and revising fiscal arrangements, this phase reflects the nation’s balancing act between stability, democracy, and inclusivity.