Headline
The Supreme Court of India put questions on delay in delimitation exercise in 4 Northeastern states.
Summary
The Supreme Court of India, led by Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar, scrutinized the delay in carrying out delimitation in states of Arunachal Pradesh, Nagaland, Manipur, and Assam, despite a 2020 Presidential order permitting the exercise.
Key Facts
- Case Name: Delimitation Demand Committee for Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur & Nagaland v. Union of India
- Judges Name: Chief Justice of India Sanjiv Khanna and Justice Sanjay Kumar
- Section 8A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950 permits delimitation once a deferment order under Section 10A of the Delimitation Act, 2002 is revoked.
- The President revoked the deferment in 2020, but only the state of Assam has seen advancement on delimitation.
- The government stated security concerns in Manipur and ongoing consultations for other states.
Legal Insights
The Supreme Court of India stresses that the rescinding of the deferment makes delimitation mandatory under Section 8A of the Representation of the People Act, 1950. It interrogated the Election Commission and the Union on the delay, expressing the statutory directive must be complied with.
Impact
The case shows the slow down of political representation reforms in the Northeastern states and the requirement for quick compliance with the laws of delimitation.
Why It Matters
Prompt delimitation makes sure that there is just and fair representation in electoral constituencies, promoting equality and adherence to constitutional directives in sensitive regions.
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