Delimitation Exercise in India- Explained Pointwise

The recent spat between the Centre and Tamil Nadu over delimitation has again opened up one of the most crucial debates of democracy- the question of representation. The last delimitation happened in 1975, after which Indira Gandhi put a freeze until 2000. A year later, Parliament again froze the number of members of the Lok Sabha and state assemblies till 2026. The delimitation of constituencies for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies is to be carried out on the basis of the first Census after 2026. Due to this inordinate delay, several issues related to democracy, demography and federalism await the fifth delimitation exercise.

What is Delimitation? What is the constitutional status behind Delimitation in India?

Delimitation refers to the process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral constituencies to ensure fair representation based on population changes.

Delimitation Commission- The Delimitation Commission is a statutory body responsible for determining the boundaries of various constituencies in the country for the purpose of elections. It is governed by the Delimitation Act, 2002 and is conducted by the Delimitation Commission under Articles 82 and 170 of the Indian Constitution. The objective is to provide equitable representation to all regions while maintaining the principle of one person, one vote. 

What is the significance of Delimitation Exercise in India?

1. Political Representation and Electoral Fairness- Ensures democratic legitimacy through equitable distribution of seats in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies. E.g. The 2002 Delimitation Commission led to a better voter-per-MP ratio in urban and rural areas and prevented malapportionment, ensuring each MP represents roughly the same number of citizens.

2. Upholding Democracy- The Reduces gerrymandering (political manipulation of electoral district boundaries to advantage a party, group, or socioeconomic class within the constituency) , ensuring fair electoral contests. E.g. Supreme Court in Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006) upheld the importance of delimitation for fair democracy.

3. Socio-Economic Equity- The Delimitation Exercise enhances representation for marginalized communities and Scheduled Tribes. E.g. The J&K Delimitation Commission allocated more seats to Jammu to address past disparities.

4. Strengthening of Federalism- The Delimitation process ensures equitable representation among states, balancing national unity with regional autonomy. E.g. The 42nd Amendment’s population freeze prevented southern states with lower population growth from losing representation, thereby upholding the spirit of cooperative federalism, crucial for India’s unity.

5. Administrative Efficiency- The Delimitation exercise ensures a manageable voter-to-representative ratio, aiding governance. E.g. Mumbai and Bengaluru saw improved electoral administration post the 2002 exercise.

6. Electoral Integrity and Governance- The Delimitation process aligns representation with new demographic realities, as seen in global examples like the UK Boundary Commission.

What are the concerns associated with Delimitation Exercise?

1. Population vs. Development- Southern states argue that delimitation based solely on population would penalize them for successful family planning and economic development. E.g. Tamil Nadu’s fertility rate is 1.6, while Bihar’s is 3.0.

2. Federalism at Risk- States with low population growth may feel politically marginalized, leading to North-South divide concerns. There are concerns that the Delimitation Exercise can create federal Imbalance as states with better governance may feel punished for controlling population. E.g. Sarkaria Commission (1983) warned against excessive centralization of power.

3. Manipulation- There are concerns that political parties may influence constituency boundaries for electoral gains. E.g. Allegations of bias in the J&K delimitation process (2022).

4. Delays and Political Resistance- There are instances of increased political resistance as seen in the case of Justice Kuldip Singh-led Commission (2002) facing pushback from political parties unwilling to lose seats.

5. Economic Disparities- Southern states argue that higher revenue generation (GST collections, per capita income) should be factored into representation.

What Should be the Way Forward?

1. Implement Expert Recommendations- The following commissions have suggested the following reforms for ensuring federal balance and delimitation needs.

Sarkaria Commission (1983): Suggested a balanced approach between federalism and national unity.

Punchhi Commission (2010): Proposed equal weightage to population and governance needs.

2. Ensure Transparency and Independent Oversight- The Election Commission’s autonomy should be strengthened to ensure fair delimitation process.

In Kuldip Nayar v. Union of India (2006), SC emphasized the need for fair representation while balancing federal concerns.

In TN Seshan v. Union of India (1995), SC highlighted the importance of an independent delimitation body.

3. Constitutional and Legislative Reforms- Amend Articles 81 and 82 to ensure balanced regional representation and Introduce proportional representation models used in Germany and Canada.

4. Policy Suggestions

• Weighted Representation Model: Combining population size, economic performance, and governance.
• Independent Delimitation Commission: Free from political interference.
• Phased Implementation: A gradual transition to prevent political instability.

Conclusion
Delimitation is a delicate balance between democracy and federalism. While it ensures equal representation, challenges related to regional disparities, population dynamics, and governance issues must be addressed. The Supreme Court and Election Commission must play a proactive role in ensuring transparency and fairness. A balanced approach grounded in constitutional values, expert recommendations, and global best practices—is essential to uphold India’s democratic and federal ethos.