Sikkim became the 22nd State of India under the Constitution (36th Amendment) Act, which laid Article 371(F) for the State

Background

Sikkim became the 22nd State of India vide the Constitution (36th Amendment) Act 1975. The special provision laid for the State is article 371(F) of the Constitution of India. Sikkim was a tiny Himalayan kingdom once ruled by the hereditary monarchy for about 3 centuries from 17 century A.D. In 1950 the kingdom became a protectorate of the Government of India, vested with autonomy in its internal affairs while its defence, communications and external relation were the responsibility of the protector. The Act provides that the Legislative Assembly of Sikkim shall consist of not less than thirty two members. The Assembly formed as a result of the elections held in Sikkim in April, 1974 with 32 members elected was deemed to be the Legislative Assembly of the State of Sikkim duly constituted under the Constitution.