Delimitation and Democratic Paradox in India

India is on the verge of a "Second Republic," reigniting debates about the balance between demography and democracy. Delimitation, the process of adjusting constituency boundaries, is crucial for fair representation but often faces challenges in large republics.

Historical Context and Constitutional Mandate

• The Indian Constitution mandates delimitation under Article 82, executed by an independent Delimitation Commission.
• Delimitation exercises occurred in 1952, 1962, and 1972, followed by a freeze in 1976 via the 42nd Constitutional Amendment, which was extended until 2026.

Current Imbalances

• States like Uttar Pradesh and Bihar remain underrepresented compared to smaller southern states due to population control efforts, leading to malapportionment.
• Opponents argue the South surpasses the North in indicators like per capita income, infrastructure, and healthcare, leading to claims of the South subsidizing the North.
• The potential for a Red Queen effect exists, where representation shifts without economic growth parity.

Global and Judicial Perspectives

• Globally, countries handle delimitation through constitutional provisions or ordinary legislation.
• The Supreme Court upheld the finality of delimitation orders in the Meghraj Kothari v Delimitation Commission (1966), limiting judicial intervention to avoid election delays.

Impact on Representation

• The Women’s Reservation Bill (2023) ties delimitation to gender representation, delaying its implementation until post-2029.
• Scheduled Castes and Tribes remain underrepresented due to outdated census data, with significant demographic changes not reflected in seat allocations.

Proposals for Reform

• Consideration for expanding the Lok Sabha to accommodate demographic shifts without reducing state representation.
• Reforming the Rajya Sabha as a counterbalance to northern dominance is suggested.

Challenges and Opportunities

• Concerns about gerrymandering and establishing permanent electoral majorities exist, but there's optimism for enhanced parliamentary representation.
• Linking delimitation to power devolution could boost democracy's representational aspects, empowering women and lower castes.

The delimitation exercise is a complex interplay of demographics, constitutional law, and political interests. A broad political consensus is essential for updating India's electoral infrastructure, enhancing democratic vibrancy, and ensuring equitable representation.