Delimitation Post-2026: Justice or Imbalance?

Context

At a recent southern Chief Ministers’ conclave (also attended by Punjab CM), the Joint Action Committee on Fair Delimitation demanded an extension of the freeze on Lok Sabha seat allocation (based on 1971 Census) for 25 more years, citing concerns over federal balance and equity in representation.

What is Delimitation?

Delimitation is the process of fixing the boundaries and number of constituencies for Lok Sabha and State Assemblies based on population data.

Constitutional Basis:

• Article 81(1): Max 550 Lok Sabha seats (530 for states, 20 for UTs).

• Article 81(2): Uniform ratio between population and seats across and within states.

• Article 82: Requires readjustment after every Census.

Historical Background

• Delimitation was done in 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002.

• 42nd Amendment (1976): Froze seat distribution till 2001 Census.

• 84th Amendment (2001): Extended freeze till 2026.

• 87th Amendment (2003): Allowed boundary changes (not seat change) based on 2001 Census.

Current Status:
Lok Sabha’s strength (543 seats) is still based on the 1971 Census.

Delimitation Commission

• Set up under Delimitation Act.

• Appointed by the President; includes:

  • A retired SC/HC judge

  • Chief Election Commissioner

  • State Election Commissioner

• Its decisions have the force of law and are not subject to judicial review.

Why Delimitation is Needed Now

• Mandated after the 2026 Census (as per 84th Amendment).

• India’s population rose from 54.79 cr (1971) to approx. 141 cr (2025).

• Current seat allocation ignores demographic shifts like urbanisation and migration.

• Ensures "One Vote, One Value" and addresses voter inequality.

Challenges Ahead

• Disproportionate Representation: States with high population growth (e.g., UP, Bihar) may gain, others (e.g., Tamil Nadu, Kerala) may lose.

• Federal Imbalance: Risk of central dominance and weakened cooperative federalism.

• Population Control Penalty: Progressive states may be disadvantaged for effective governance.

Way Forward

• Use a composite index (governance, health, education) for seat allocation.

• Start with state assembly expansion before altering Lok Sabha composition.

• Ensure status quo in seat shares during delimitation.

• Enhance Rajya Sabha representation for underrepresented states.

• Form a national consultative body to ensure fair and consensus-based delimitation.