Part of: GS Prelims and GS -II – Polity and Governance
In news
Recently, the delimitation exercise has started in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K).
The completion of the delimitation exercise will mark the political process in the Union Territory (UT) that has been under Centre’s rule since June 2018.
After the abrogation of its special status under Article 370, on 5th August, 2019, a special delimitation commission was constitutedin March, 2020 to carve out Assembly and Parliament seats in the UT.
What is Delimitation?
It is the act of fixing or redrawing the boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country or a province having a legislative body, as per the Election Commission.
The delimitation exercise is carried out by an independent high-powered panel known as the Delimitation Commission whose orders have the force of law and cannot be questioned by any court.
Aim:
To have equal representation to equal segments of the population in order to ensure a fair division of geographical areas.
Constitutional Basis for Delimitation
Article 82: The Parliament enacts a Delimitation Act after every Census.
Article 170: States also get divided into territorial constituencies as per Delimitation Act after every Census.
Delimitation Commission:
The Delimitation Commission is appointed by the President of India.
It works in collaboration with the Election Commission of India.
