Q. Consider the following statements:
1.Delimitation refers to the process of adjusting the number of Lok Sabha seats based on population and redrawing the boundaries of constituencies.
2.The most recent delimitation of the Lok Sabha was conducted using data from the 2011 Census.
3.State governments do not have any roles in delimitation.
4.The orders of the Delimitation Commission can only be challenged in the Supreme Court.
Which of the statements given above are correct?
Explanations –
Statements 1 and 3 are correct. Delimitation refers to adjusting the number of Lok Sabha seats in proportion to the population and redrawing the boundaries of constituencies to maintain balanced representation across regions. State governments do not play a role in the delimitation process. It is exclusively handled by the Delimitation Commission, which is appointed by the central government.
Statement 2 and 4 are incorrect. The last delimitation to change state-wise Lok Sabha seats was based on the 1971 Census. However, the most recent delimitation exercise, based on the 2001 Census, only adjusted constituency boundaries without changing state seat allocations. India has conducted four major delimitation exercises: based on the 1951 Census (first delimitation exercise conducted after independence), based on the 1961 Census (increased the number of Lok Sabha seats), based on the 1971 Census and based on 2001 Census. Traditionally, the Commission’s orders could not be challenged in any court of law. However, recent Supreme Court judgment has affirmed that constitutional courts (including High Courts) can review these orders if they are found to be arbitrary or unconstitutional.
Source: The Hindu
