Delimitation is the process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral constituencies for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies based on population.
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Delimitation is the process of redrawing the boundaries of electoral constituencies for the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies to ensure that each constituency has roughly equal population and that every vote carries similar weight. Its objective is to maintain balanced and fair representation based on updated population data.
The process is mandated under Articles 82 and 170 of the Constitution of India, which require readjustment of seats and constituencies after every Census. However, through a series of constitutional amendments, the reallocation of seats among States has been frozen until the publication of the first Census conducted after 2026.
With the announcement that the next nationwide Census will be conducted in 2027, the countdown to a fresh delimitation exercise has effectively begun. The upcoming delimitation will be based on the published population data of Census 2027 and is expected to factor in not only existing SC/ST reservations but also the implementation of women’s reservation under the Constitution (One Hundred and Sixth Amendment) Act, 2023. The entire exercise would likely need to be completed before the 2029 general elections.
Population Equality
The Core Constitutional Principle: Article 170(2) of the Constitution provides that each State shall be divided into territorial constituencies in such a manner that the ratio between the population of each constituency and the number of seats allotted to it shall, so far as practicable, be the same throughout the State. This establishes population equality as the primary constitutional principle, reflecting the doctrine of “one person, one vote”. Administrative boundaries and geographical considerations, often cited in delimitation discussions, are not constitutional mandates. They are statutory guiding principles under Section 9 of the Delimitation Act, 2002. However, as progressive states (Tamil Nadu, Kerala, etc.) having controlled population growth may lose out to backward states (Bihar, UP, etc.) unable to effectively control population growth, there could be changes contemplated in the guiding principles to de-incentivise and neutralise uncontrolled population growth as far as Lok Sabha seats are concerned. Since an increase in assembly seats does not affect regional balance in seat distribution, it is expected that the guiding principle of proportionate representation may continue as far as an increase in assembly seats is concerned.
What the Delimitation Act Requires
Section 9(1) of the Delimitation Act, 2002 provides that constituencies should, as far as practicable, be geographically compact, due regard be given to physical features, administrative boundaries, communication facilities, and public convenience; each Assembly constituency must lie wholly within a parliamentary constituency; and SC/ST reserved constituencies should be located in areas where their population is comparatively large. In practical terms, this means constituencies should not be arbitrarily shaped. Natural terrain, rivers, hills, and forests may be kept in mind by the Delimitation Commission. Districts and sub-divisions should preferably not be split. However, these considerations operate under the flexible standard of “as far as practicable,” not as rigid requirements.
The Role of the Delimitation Commission
The next exercise will be conducted by a Delimitation Commission constituted under parliamentary law. The Commission typically consists of a retired judge of the Supreme Court of India as Chairperson, the Chief Election Commissioner, and the State Election Commissioners of the concerned States. Its orders, once notified, have the force of law and are immune from judicial challenge under Article 329(a) of the Constitution. Courts cannot question the validity of delimitation laws or final orders. Each major delimitation exercise in India has been conducted under a specific Delimitation Act (1952, 1962, 1972, 2002). Parliament may amend the existing Act or enact a fresh one following the publication of Census 2027 data.
The Special Context of Manipur
In the case of Manipur, the State Election Commissioner will participate in the delimitation process concerning Assembly constituencies. A particularly sensitive issue relates to the delineation of constituencies between the valley districts and the notified “Hill Areas.”
The Hill Areas of Manipur are constitutionally recognised under Article 371-C of the Constitution, read with the Presidential Order of 1972. The Hill Areas Committee (HAC) comprises elected representatives from these areas and plays a distinct constitutional role. This therefore entails that the constituencies covering “Hill Areas” cannot be disturbed by including parts of them in the constituencies of the valley districts or vice versa. Maintaining the territorial integrity of the notified Hill Areas during delimitation is therefore not merely administrative; it has constitutional significance. Any proposal that affects these boundaries must take into account the special framework applicable to the State.
Census Integrity and Political Concerns
Given that Census 2027 will be conducted after a gap of nearly 15 years (the 2021 Census having been delayed), the updated population data may significantly alter representation patterns in certain regions. Concerns have emerged that attempts to delay or disrupt Census operations could indirectly affect the delimitation exercise, particularly if fresh data is unavailable. In such a scenario, reliance on extrapolated or outdated figures would undermine the constitutional objective of accurate representation. Ensuring that Census 2027 is conducted smoothly, transparently, and without disruption is therefore critical, not merely as a statistical exercise, but as the foundation for democratic representation.
The Need for Institutional Preparedness
Civil society organisations, student bodies, and apex tribal organisations must remain vigilant to ensure that census operations are not obstructed or manipulated, accurate population data is collected across all regions, constitutional safeguards applicable to hill areas are respected, and legal challenges intended to stall census or delimitation processes are effectively addressed.
Given its historical role, the United Naga Council (UNC), as an apex body, may be expected to take proactive leadership. Structured engagement with the State Election Commissioner, the State Government, the Registrar General & Census Commissioner of India, and the eventual Delimitation Commission would be essential. Constituting expert committees, including legal advisory groups to anticipate litigation, could help ensure that neither the Census nor the delimitation process is derailed.
Conclusion
Census 2027 is not merely a demographic exercise. It is the constitutional trigger for India’s next delimitation, a process that will redefine electoral representation, operationalise women’s reservation, and potentially reshape the political balance within and amongst states.
For Manipur, and particularly for its hill areas, the stakes are especially high. Accuracy, vigilance, and constitutional fidelity will determine whether delimitation strengthens representative democracy, or becomes a source of renewed contention.
Ngaranmi Shimray
New Delhi