Supreme Court Directs Delimitation Exercise in Northeastern States of India

In a separate development, the Supreme Court of India today granted a three-month deadline for the Union of India to furnish steps for the delimitation exercise in the Northeastern states, specifically Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam. The Court had previously asked the Election Commission about the steps taken to carry out the delimitation in these states, in light of the 2020 Presidential order that rescinded the deferment of the delimitation process.

Background on the Delimitation Process

The Delimitation Act, 2002 outlines the procedure for delimiting parliamentary and assembly constituencies. Under Section 8A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950, the President can permit the delimitation exercise in Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, and Nagaland if the conditions are favorable. The Presidential order of 2020 rescinded the previous deferment of the delimitation exercise, paving the way for its commencement in these states.

The petitioners argued that despite the Presidential order of February 28, 2020, allowing the delimitation, no substantial steps have been taken in these states, while the exercise has been conducted in other parts of the country. They contended that the delay in the delimitation violated their fundamental right under Article 14 of the Constitution of India, ensuring equality before the law.

Supreme Court’s Directions

The Supreme Court directed the Union of India to provide a status report within three months regarding the steps taken for delimitation in the affected states. The petitioners had previously submitted memoranda to the Prime Minister and other officials but had not received any substantial response. The Court’s direction comes after a prolonged delay in addressing the issue of delimitation in the Northeastern states.

Case Title: Delimitation Demand Committee for the State of Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur & Nagaland v. Union of India