UPSC Prelims 2012 · Question 54 of 98
UPSC Prelims 2012 question on Delimitation Commission
- ExamUPSC CSE
- Year2012
- PaperGeneral Studies Paper I
- SubjectPolity
- TopicConstitutional Bodies
- DifficultyMedium
- TypeStatement
With reference to the Delimitation Commission, consider the following statements:
1. The orders of the Delimitation Commission cannot be challenged in a Court of Law.
2. When orders are laid before Lok Sabha or State Legislature, they cannot effect modifications.
Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
Show answer
Answer: C. Both 1 and 2
Verdict
Correct Answer: Both 1 and 2
Both statements are correct because Delimitation Commission orders are final, legally binding and cannot be altered by courts or legislatures.
Analysis
The Delimitation Commission fixes the boundaries of electoral constituencies and allocation of seats.
Its orders have the force of law and are protected from judicial and legislative modification.
Statement by statement
1. The orders of the Delimitation Commission cannot be challenged in a Court of Law — Correct
The orders of the Delimitation Commission are final and have the force of law.
Article 329 bars courts from questioning laws relating to delimitation of constituencies or allotment of seats.
2. When the orders of the Delimitation Commission are laid before the Lok Sabha or State Legislative Assembly, they cannot effect any modification in the orders — Correct
The orders are laid before the Lok Sabha and concerned State Legislative Assemblies.
However, these legislatures cannot modify them. This protects the delimitation process from political interference.
Extra UPSC info
* Delimitation means redrawing the boundaries of constituencies based on population changes.
* Article 82 provides for readjustment after each Census by law made by Parliament.
* Article 170 deals with territorial constituencies in States.
* The Delimitation Commission is a statutory body set up by an Act of Parliament.
* It is usually chaired by a retired Supreme Court judge.
* Delimitation Commissions have been constituted in 1952, 1963, 1973 and 2002.
* The allocation of Lok Sabha seats among States is frozen till after 2026.