Delimitation refers to the process of defining and fixing the boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country or province that has a legislative body. This intricate task is undertaken by a specially constituted, high-powered body known as the Delimitation Commission or Boundary Commission.
What Is the Delimitation Commission?
The Delimitation Commission of India is a constitutionally empowered body established by the Government of India to redefine the boundaries of legislative assembly and Lok Sabha constituencies based on the latest census data. This process ensures fair and proportional representation in the electoral system.
The most recent delimitation exercise was conducted based on the 2001 Census, as mandated by the Delimitation Act, 2002. This effort aimed to account for population changes and demographic shifts while maintaining balance in representation.
Independent Entity
The Delimitation Commission operates as an independent entity, and its decisions carry the force of law. Importantly, its orders are immune to judicial review and cannot be contested in any court. Once finalized, these orders are presented to the Lok Sabha and the relevant State Legislative Assemblies, but neither body holds the authority to modify them.
In India, the Delimitation Commission has played a pivotal role in ensuring balanced representation in electoral processes.
History of Delimitation in India
India has established Delimitation Commissions four times since its independence. These were constituted under specific legislative acts:
1. 1952: The first Delimitation Commission was formed under the Delimitation Commission Act, 1952, shortly after India adopted its Constitution. This commission laid the foundation for organized electoral boundaries in the nascent democracy.
2. 1963: The second commission, formed under the Delimitation Commission Act, 1962, undertook revisions in response to changes in population and administrative boundaries identified in the 1961 Census.
3. 1973: The third commission, established under the Delimitation Act, 1972, carried out adjustments based on the 1971 Census data. This commission’s work aligned with India’s growing demographic shifts and administrative needs.
4. 2002: The fourth and most recent commission was constituted under the Delimitation Act, 2002. Its work reflected the data from the 2001 Census and remains the basis for the current electoral boundaries in India.
The Commission’s Mandate and Authority
The Delimitation Commission is empowered to redraw the boundaries of various constituencies to reflect changes in population and ensure fair representation. Its orders have the force of law and are not subject to judicial review. Once finalized, the President of India specifies the date from which the new boundaries come into effect.
One must know that Lok Sabha or the Legislative Assemblies cannot modify the orders, ensuring that the commission operates with autonomy and impartiality.
Significance of Delimitation
The Delimitation Commission ensures equitable representation for citizens across constituencies, accounting for population shifts and growth. This is critical in a country as diverse as India, where demographic changes can impact electoral fairness.
Additionally, the commission prevents discrepancies in constituency sizes, maintaining the principle of “one person, one vote.” By balancing representation, it upholds the democratic ethos enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
Process Of Delimitation
While the last Delimitation Commission was constituted in 2002, the process remains dynamic. As population data evolves with new censuses, future commissions may be convened to reflect these changes. This ensures that electoral boundaries remain relevant, facilitating effective governance and fair representation for all citizens.
In conclusion, the Delimitation Commission has been instrumental in shaping India’s democratic framework. Its impartiality, authority, and adherence to constitutional principles make it a cornerstone of the country’s electoral system.
Also Read: Delimitation Of Local Body Wards In Kerala, Draft To Be Published Tomorrow
