The Delimitation Bill, 2026 was introduced in Lok Sabha on April 16, 2026.  The Bill provides for constitution of a Delimitation Commission for readjustment and reallocation of seats of Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.  It also seeks to repeal the Delimitation Act, 2002.

Delimitation Commission:  The central government may, from time to time, constitute a Delimitation Commission.  It will comprise of: (i) a Chairperson who is or has been a Supreme Court Judge, (ii) the Chief Election Commissioner or an Election Commissioner nominated by the Chief Election Commissioner, and (iii) the State Election Commissioner of the concerned state.  The central government will appoint the Chairperson.  The central government will specify the term of the Commission by a notification.  It may also extend the term.

Associate members of the Commission:     The Commission will also have 10 associate members in respect of each state, for assisting in its duties.  Five of these will be from amongst the state’s Lok Sabha MPs, and five from amongst the members of the state’s Legislative Assembly.  These members will be nominated by the respective Speakers.  Where the number of members of Lok Sabha of a state is less than five, all the members will be made associate members.  In such cases, the total associate members for the state will be less than 10.  Associate members will not have a right to vote or sign any decision of the Commission.

Population to be referred for delimitation:  Delimitation will be based on the latest census for which figures have been published, as on the date of the constitution of the Commission.

Readjustment of seats:  The Commission will determine the number of seats in Lok Sabha to be allocated to each state and union territory, as well as for State Legislative Assemblies.  The Bill requires that all constituencies must be geographically compact areas, as far as practicable.  Physical features, existing boundaries of administrative unit, facilities of communication, and public convenience must be taken into consideration.  Further, every assembly constituency must be delimited to fall wholly within one parliamentary constituency. 

Reservation:  The Commission will also determine the seats reserved for scheduled castes, scheduled tribes, and women.  Constituencies reserved for scheduled castes must be spread across different parts of the state.  They must be placed in areas where scheduled caste population is comparatively large relative to the total population.  Constituencies reserved for scheduled tribes must be placed in areas where their population is the largest relative to the total population.

Process of delimitation:  The Commission will publish its proposal for the delimitation of constituencies along with any dissenting proposals of associate members.  These will be published in the Gazette of India and the official Gazettes of all states.  The Commission will consider any objections and suggestions, and hold one or more public sittings to discuss them.  Final orders will be published in the Gazette of India.