Comprehensive Guide to Delimitation and Its Constitutional Provisions

Understanding Delimitation and Constitutional Provisions

In India, the structure of parliamentary representation is guided by specific constitutional provisions and statutory frameworks. These frameworks are essential for ensuring that representation aligns with population changes and demographic realities.

Constitutional Provisions

Several articles in the Indian Constitution govern the readjustment of parliamentary seats:

• Article 82: This article mandates the readjustment of Lok Sabha and State Assembly seats after every census.
• Article 170: It specifically addresses the readjustment of seats in State Legislative Assemblies based on population figures.
• 42nd Amendment (1976): This amendment froze the number of seats in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies until 2001, using the 1971 Census as a reference point.
• 84th Amendment (2002): This amendment extended the freeze on seat numbers until 2026.

Statutory Framework

The legal framework for delimitation is established by the Delimitation Act:

• Delimitation Act, 1952: This act set up the first Delimitation Commission in India.
• Delimitation Acts of 1962, 1972, and 2002: These acts provided legal backing for subsequent delimitation exercises.
• Delimitation Commission: This statutory body comprises a retired Supreme Court judge as the chairperson, the Chief Election Commissioner, and the respective state election commissioners.

Historical Timeline of Lok Sabha Seat Increase

The history of Lok Sabha seat adjustments reflects India's evolving demographics:

• 1952: The first Lok Sabha had 500 seats, based on the 1951 Census.
• 1957: The number of seats increased to 505, following the 1956 States Reorganisation Act.
• 1962: Seats were further increased to 522 after the 1961 Census.
• 1971 Census & 1976 Delimitation: The total rose to 543 to accommodate population growth.
• 1976: The seat count was frozen at 543 to encourage population control measures, as mandated by the 42nd Amendment.

Current Status and Future Outlook

The next delimitation exercise is expected to occur post-2026, following the next census. This could lead to significant changes in representation:

• Possible Changes: Northern states with high population growth may gain additional seats, while southern states may see a reduction in representation despite having effective population control measures.
• Political Debate: Concerns exist that a new delimitation may diminish the parliamentary influence of states like Tamil Nadu and Kerala, which have successfully controlled their population growth.

Ensuring fair representation is crucial for balancing democracy with the realities of demographic changes.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1. What is the purpose of delimitation in India?
Answer: Delimitation is the process of redrawing boundaries of electoral constituencies to ensure fair representation based on population changes after each census.

Q2. How often does delimitation occur in India?
Answer: Delimitation occurs after every census, though the number of seats has been frozen until 2026 due to amendments made in 1976 and 2002.

Q3. What role does the Delimitation Commission play?
Answer: The Delimitation Commission is responsible for redrawing the boundaries of constituencies and is comprised of a retired Supreme Court judge, the Chief Election Commissioner, and state election commissioners.

Q4. Why was the number of Lok Sabha seats frozen?
Answer: The seat count was frozen to encourage population control measures and to ensure fair representation across states until a new census could be conducted.

Q5. What impact does population growth have on parliamentary representation?
Answer: Population growth can lead to an increase in seats for some states while reducing representation for others, influencing the political balance in the country.

UPSC Practice MCQs

Question 1: What does Article 82 of the Indian Constitution mandate?
A) Readjustment of Lok Sabha seats based on election results
B) Readjustment of Lok Sabha and State Assembly seats after every census
C) Freezing of seats until the next election
D) Increase in seats based on state demands
Correct Answer: B

Question 2: Which amendment froze the number of seats in Lok Sabha until 2001?
A) 84th Amendment
B) 42nd Amendment
C) 61st Amendment
D) 73rd Amendment
Correct Answer: B

Question 3: Who is included in the Delimitation Commission?
A) Members of Parliament
B) State ministers
C) A retired Supreme Court judge, Chief Election Commissioner, state election commissioners
D) Only Chief Election Commissioner
Correct Answer: C

Question 4: When is the next delimitation expected to occur?
A) 2024
B) 2026
C) 2030
D) 2022
Correct Answer: B