The Delimitation Act, 2002 was enacted to address the imbalance in electoral constituencies caused by uneven population growth and migration. Rooted in Articles 82, 170, 330, and 332 of the Constitution of India, this Act set up the Delimitation Commission to restructure constituencies based on the 2001 Census, while retaining the total seat count fixed by the 1971 Census. This reform plays a crucial role for UPSC students and aspirants of polity as it links constitutional mandates with practical election reforms.
Overview of Delimitation Act 2002 under Indian Constitution
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Purpose of the Delimitation Act, 2002
- (i) Readjustment of constituencies for Parliament and State Assemblies on the basis of the 2001 Census.
- (ii) Re-fixing of seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes without altering the overall seat strength determined by the 1971 Census.
- (iii) Correction of distortions arising from population growth and migration, especially from rural to urban areas.
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Constitution and Duties of the Delimitation Commission
- (i) Established to carry out delimitation of constituencies for both Parliament and State Assemblies.
- (ii) Empowered to re-fix reserved seats for SCs and STs based on the 2001 Census.
- (iii) Directed to complete the process by July 31, 2008.
- (iv) Orders of the Commission applied to general elections and by-elections conducted after publication.
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Key Provisions of the Delimitation Act 2002
- (i) Short title and Definitions.
- (ii) Constitution of Delimitation Commission.
- (iii) Duties and Powers of the Commission.
- (iv) Appointment of Associate Members and management of Casual Vacancies.
- (v) Readjustment of seats and Delimitation of constituencies.
- (vi) Publication and enforcement of Delimitation Orders.
- (vii) Special provisions:
- (a) Deferment of delimitation in specific cases.
- (b) Invalidity of Commission’s order with respect to Jharkhand.
- (c) Power to keep orders up to date.
- (viii) Repeal of earlier provisions.
