Who decides, which Lok Sabha constituency is to be reserved?

Question

Accepted Answer

The correct option is 3:

The **Delimitation Commission** is the body specifically tasked with deciding which Lok Sabha constituency is to be reserved for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs). This process, known as delimitation, involves fixing the boundaries of territorial constituencies in a country or province that has a legislative body. The reservation of seats is done on the basis of the proportion of the SC or ST population to the total population of a state, as per the latest available census data. The Delimitation Commission works under the authority of the Delimitation Commission Act, and its orders are final and cannot be challenged in any court of law. This ensures that the redrawing of boundaries and reservation of seats is carried out objectively and impartially, providing equal representation for all sections of society in the Lok Sabha.

The incorrect option is 1:
**President**
While the President of India plays a crucial role in the delimitation process—such as constituting the Delimitation Commission itself—they do not have the power to decide which specific Lok Sabha constituency is to be reserved. The President's actions are primarily ceremonial or administrative in this context. Once the Delimitation Commission passes an order regarding the reservation of constituencies, copies of the order are laid before the Lok Sabha and the State Legislative Assembly, but no modifications can be made by them or by the President. The actual determination and reservation of seats fall under the purview of the independent Delimitation Commission to ensure political neutrality in the process.

The incorrect option is 2:
**Election Commission**
The Election Commission of India (ECI) is primarily responsible for conducting elections, maintaining electoral rolls, and ensuring the free and fair conduct of the electoral process. Although the Delimitation Commission works in close collaboration with the ECI, particularly for data management and ensuring the smooth implementation of the boundaries, the ECI does not have the mandate to decide on the reservation of Lok Sabha constituencies. Its role begins after delimitation is completed, using the newly defined and reserved constituencies for election purposes. The reservation of seats is a policy-level decision and demarcation task separate from the administrative function of conducting elections.

The incorrect option is 4:
**Parliament**
Parliament is the legislative body of India, and it enacts the Delimitation Commission Act, thereby establishing the framework for the delimitation exercise, including the reservation of seats. However, once the Delimitation Commission is constituted, Parliament cannot interfere with or modify the Commission’s orders regarding the boundaries or the list of reserved constituencies. The Constitution explicitly states that the orders of the Delimitation Commission have the force of law and cannot be questioned in any court, which implicitly restricts Parliament from altering the specific reservation decisions made by the independent commission. Parliament sets the law, but the Commission executes the specific details of reservation under that law.