What are the Delimitation?

Why in News?

The delimitation process is set to begin in 2026. If the delimitation is based on population, the southern states may see a reduction in their Lok Sabha seats, while northern states could gain more seats. This has led to protests from the southern states.

Introduction of Delimitation

Delimitation is a constitutional process aimed at reorganizing the number of seats in Parliament and State Assemblies and redefining the boundaries of constituencies after each Census.

• The primary purpose of delimitation is to ensure equal representation in constituencies based on population size.
• The process of delimitation is mandated by the Indian Constitution.
• The main objective of delimitation is to implement the principle of “one person, one vote, one value,” ensuring that each constituency is balanced according to population, thereby ensuring equal representation for all areas.
• It also ensures fair electoral competition between political parties, preventing any single party from gaining an unfair advantage.
• Special provisions for delimitation exist in the Indian Constitution. Parliament holds the power to carry out delimitation, which has been exercised through four major Delimitation Commission Acts in 1952, 1962, 1972, and 2002.
  • 42nd Amendment (1976): This amendment froze the number of Lok Sabha seats until the 1971 Census.
  • 84th Amendment (2001): This amendment legalized delimitation based on the 1991 Census, but did not change the number of seats allocated to states.
  • 87th Amendment (2003): This amendment provided for delimitation based on the 2001 Census without altering the number of seats allotted to each state.

Delimitation in the Indian Constitution

The process and provisions for delimitation are clearly defined in the Indian Constitution. Its purpose is to redistribute representation in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies.

• Article 81: According to Article 81, the total number of Lok Sabha members cannot exceed 550, with 530 from states and 20 from Union Territories. This provision limits the number of seats in the Lok Sabha to maintain a balance in representation.
• Article 82: Article 82 grants Parliament the authority to pass a Delimitation Act after each Census. Under this Act, the boundaries of Lok Sabha constituencies are redefined to adjust the allocation of seats based on changes in the population of each state.
• Article 170: Article 170 deals with State Assemblies. It states that after delimitation, the number of seats in State Assemblies is adjusted based on the population, ensuring a balanced distribution of seats across states.

Benefits of Delimitation

• Equal Representation: The primary benefit of delimitation is that it ensures each citizen’s vote holds equal value. By redefining constituency boundaries based on population, it ensures that all areas have equal representation in Parliament, preventing any region from being overrepresented or underrepresented.
• Democratic Balance: Delimitation helps maintain the balance of democracy. It ensures that all constituencies are fairly represented in the electoral process, preventing any party from gaining an unfair advantage. This process embodies the core democratic principle that “every citizen’s voice should reach Parliament.”
• Representation of Marginalized Groups: Delimitation not only ensures population balance but also helps in providing reservations for Scheduled Castes (SC) and Scheduled Tribes (ST), ensuring proper representation in Parliament and Assemblies.
• Geographical Fairness: Another benefit of delimitation is that it ensures a fair division of geographical areas, preventing any political party from gaining a physical advantage in the elections. It makes the electoral process more transparent and equitable, strengthening democracy.

Who Conducts Delimitation?

• The Delimitation Commission is an independent body established through an Act of Parliament, responsible for conducting and overseeing the delimitation process.
• The Commission is appointed by the President of India and works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India.
• The primary goal of the Commission is to ensure that the delimitation process is fair and in line with constitutional provisions.
• Decisions made by the Delimitation Commission cannot be challenged in court. However, in 2024, the Supreme Court clarified that delimitation orders could be reviewed if they violate constitutional principles.
• The Delimitation Commission consists of three major members:
  • Chairperson: A retired Supreme Court judge
  • Member: The Chief Election Commissioner (CEC) or any member appointed by the CEC
  • Member: The State Election Commissioners of the respective states

Phases of Delimitation Process

• Draft Proposal Publication: In the initial phase, the Delimitation Commission publishes its draft proposals for public feedback. These proposals are published in the official gazettes of India and the respective states, and at least two major national newspapers. This phase ensures that the public is well-informed about the process and has the opportunity to provide their input.
• Public Meetings: After the draft proposals are published, the Commission organizes public meetings. These meetings invite feedback from the general public, political parties, and other concerned stakeholders. During these meetings, all parties are given the chance to present their views and suggestions to ensure the process is fair and transparent.
• Consideration of Objections and Suggestions: The Commission considers objections and suggestions received during the public meetings, whether written or oral. If deemed necessary, it modifies the draft proposals based on these inputs.
• Final Order Publication: Once the Commission has reviewed the draft proposals and made necessary changes, the final order is published in the official gazette of India and the respective state gazettes. This order is then enforced from a date specified by the President, completing the delimitation process.

Concerns of Southern States Regarding Delimitation

• Impact of Population Growth: Northern states like Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh, etc., have experienced significant population growth, which could lead to an increase in their seats after delimitation. This could result in a reduction of representation for Southern states, which are concerned that their political influence will diminish, even though they have made efforts for better governance and population control.
• Limited Increase in Seats: If the average population per seat is kept at 10.11 lakh, the number of Lok Sabha seats could rise to about 1,400 based on population projections for 2025. Uttar Pradesh (including Uttarakhand) could see its seats increase from 85 to 250, while Tamil Nadu could see only a modest increase from 39 to 76 seats.
• Political Impact: Southern states believe that regardless of the formula followed, they will gain fewer seats compared to the northern states, further weakening their political influence. This could result in a decline in their representation and voice in Parliament.

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