UPSC CSE Prelims
Delimitation Commission Previous Year Questions (PYQs)

Detailed Explanation:

Correct Answer: Option 4 (Four)

The Government of India had constituted four Delimitation Commissions up to December 2023—in 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002. These commissions were set up to redraw the boundaries of Lok Sabha and State Assembly constituencies based on census data to ensure fair representation.

✅ Delimitation Commission 1952: Constituted after the first Census following Independence.

✅ Delimitation Commission 1963: Based on the 1961 Census.

✅ Delimitation Commission 1973: Based on the 1971 Census.

✅ Delimitation Commission 2002: Based on the 2001 Census; its recommendations were implemented in 2008.

Short Notes: Delimitation Commission

• Delimitation means redrawing the boundaries of electoral constituencies.

• It is constituted by the President of India under a Delimitation Commission Act passed by Parliament.

• Delimitation Commissions were set up in 1952, 1963, 1973, and 2002.

• The Commission usually consists of a retired Supreme Court judge (Chairperson), the Chief Election Commissioner, and the concerned State Election Commissioners.

• Its orders have the force of law and cannot ordinarily be challenged in court.

• The 42nd Constitutional Amendment (1976) froze delimitation based on population until 2001.

• The 84th Constitutional Amendment (2001) extended the freeze on seat allocation until 2026.

• The latest delimitation exercise was based on the 2001 Census and came into effect in 2008.

Detailed Explanation:

✅ Statement 1 – Correct: Under Article 329(a) of the Constitution and the Delimitation Commission Act, the orders of the Delimitation Commission cannot be challenged in any court of law. They have the force of law and are final to prevent judicial delays in the electoral process.

✅ Statement 2 – Correct: When the orders are laid before the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly, these bodies cannot modify them. The orders are placed for information only, ensuring the independence and finality of the delimitation process, free from political interference.