In short :
Tamil Nadu CM M.K. Stalin has criticized the Union Government’s handling of Census 2027 and the proposed delimitation exercise, calling it a threat to southern states’ political representation.
What’s the Issue?
- Delimitation refers to redrawing of Lok Sabha and Assembly seat boundaries based on the latest population data.
- The last delimitation was based on the 1971 Census.
- As per constitutional mandate, next delimitation will be based on the first Census after 2026, i.e., Census 2027.
Stalin’s Concerns:
- Loss of representation for southern states like Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh – which controlled population growth more effectively than the north.
- Population control paradox – States that succeeded in population stabilization may lose seats, while those with high growth may gain.
- Vague assurances by MHA – No clear legislative or constitutional guarantees to protect southern interests.
- Demand for Parliamentary commitment & amendment to ensure fair representation.
- Cites the abrogation of Article 370 as a case where Centre broke earlier assurances (J&K still lacks statehood).
Broader Implications:
- Federal imbalance may widen if southern states lose proportional influence in Parliament.
- Raises questions about equity vs equality in democracy – Should seat allocation reward population control or stick to one-person-one-vote principle?
- Could impact political discourse in upcoming elections and trigger constitutional and political debates.
Government’s Position:
- Home Minister Amit Shah has assured that southern states’ concerns will be addressed and discussed at “an appropriate time”.
- No formal commitment yet; process remains vague.
DELIMITATION COMMISSION
What is the Delimitation Exercise?
- Delimitation is the redrawing of boundaries of Lok Sabha and State Assembly constituencies based on the latest population data.
- Objective: Ensure equal representation for equal segments of the population and a fair division of geographical areas.
Constitutional Basis :
- Article 82 — After every Census, Parliament shall enact a Delimitation Act to readjust constituencies.
- Article 170 — Similar provision for State Legislative Assemblies to redraw constituencies post-Census.
- After the Act is enacted, the Delimitation Commission is constituted by the President of India.
Delimitation Commission: Composition
- Chairperson: Retired Supreme Court Judge
- Members: Chief Election Commissioner (CEC), State Election Commissioners (of concerned states)
Powers & Finality
- The Commission’s decisions cannot be challenged in any court.
- Its orders are final once published in the Gazette.
- Parliament/State Assemblies cannot amend or reject the Commission’s recommendations.
Delimitation Timeline in India :
- No delimitation was conducted after 1981 and 1991 censuses due to a constitutional freeze.
- 84th Amendment (2001) and 87th Amendment (2003) postponed delimitation till after Census 2026, keeping total seats frozen but allowing intra-state seat adjustment based on 2001 Census.
UPSC Relevance:
GS2 – Polity & Governance
Delimitation, federal structure, Centre-State relations, Population policy and political representation, Role of constitutional amendments
GS1 – Indian Society
Demographic change and regional disparities, Population control and its socio-political impact
Possible Mains Question:
“Discuss the constitutional and political challenges associated with the upcoming delimitation exercise based on Census 2027. How can India balance democratic equality with demographic efficiency?” (250 words)
