Delimitation of seats is essential to ensure fair representation and uphold the principles of one vote one value. Highlight the challenges posed by misrepresentation in constituencies analyse the ramifications of population-based delimitation of seats in increasing federal tension. (Answer in 250 words) 15 marks
Introduction
Delimitation is an exercise to allocate seats in any constituency based on population (Art 82). Way Forward Elections should be fair & equal and that forms a part of 'basic structure'. Judiciary play great roles in it.
37 words
Main Body
Delimitation is an exercise to allocate seats in any constituency based on population (Art 82).
Essential for fair representation:
Example:
UP, Bihar have more population hence need more representation.
Challenges:
led High population represented by yellow MPs/MLAs
Ramification of population-based:
[#4]
* Creating federal Tensions
Way Forward
As highlighted by supreme court Delimitation is necessary to secure fair election vision of nation.
Elections should be fair & equal and that forms a part of 'basic structure'. Judiciary play great roles in it.
Role of Supreme Court:
[Example: Art 324 (EC)] - any related issue are interpreted by court.
[Art 325 - Electoral Rolls]
[Art 326 - Adult Franchise]
led Tell then gave a framework:
[Appointing panel]
[lead of opposition] [CJI] (currently appointed by executive only)
led Right of voters to know about the amt & source of funding of par candidate
[Example: ??? of party source of fund is not known as per ADR.
led be recognized the sale of NOTA.
led MCC (model code of conduct)
led RPA (Representation of People Act)
led Rule of Disqualifications (Art 102)
+ thus supreme court has played immense role
Conclusion
Politicization of issue leads to centre-state tensions as exemplified by Tamil Nadu case. As highlighted by supreme court Delimitation is necessary to secure fair election vision of nation. Thus supreme court has played immense role.
35 words
Diagram
Flow diagram showing relationship between delimitation exercise, fair representation essentials, and challenges. Shows branching to 'Yes, wider in USA' with boxes for fair allocation of seats, fair idea of population represented by MPs/MLAs, and upholding principle of one vote one value. Example showing UP, Bihar having more population requiring more representation.
- Clear definition and context of delimitation
- Use of specific constitutional article
- Example-based illustration with UP and Bihar
- Identified key challenges in current context
- Clear enumeration of ramifications
- Connects population-based delimitation to federal tensions
- Provides concrete examples (UP, Bihar, Tamil Nadu, Kerala)
- Addresses North-South divide issue
- Provides practical solution model from Assam
- References Supreme Court directive
- Clear way forward recommendation
- Clear reference to constitutional articles
- Recent judicial directive cited
- Diagrammatic representation of proposed framework
- Connection to basic structure doctrine
- Multiple Supreme Court cases cited with years
- Specific policy mechanisms identified (MCC, RPA, Art 102)
- Clear enumeration of judicial contributions
- Connection between judgments and EC empowerment
Anjali Ajay Thakur
Salient Features of the Representation of People's Act
Delimitation and Electoral Representation
Delimitation of Seats and Population-Based Representation
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Total words
16
Paragraphs
4
Bullets
concluding and prescriptive
Tone