Authentic Classroom Explanation by IAS Monk

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📍 The Question

How many Delimitation Commissions have been constituted by the Government of India till December 2023?

(a) One
(b) Two
(c) Three
(d) Four

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✅ Correct Answer: (d) Four

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🧠 Classroom Explanation

Delimitation refers to the process of fixing or re-fixing the boundaries of territorial constituencies for elections to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

In India, this task is entrusted to a high-powered, independent body called the Delimitation Commission.

📌 Key constitutional and legal features:

• The Delimitation Commission is constituted by an Act of Parliament
• Its orders have the force of law
• Its decisions cannot be challenged in any court
• The orders are laid before Parliament and State Legislatures, but no modifications are permitted

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🗂️ Delimitation Commissions Constituted in India

India has constituted four Delimitation Commissions so far:

1. 1952 — under the Delimitation Commission Act, 1952
2. 1963 — under the Delimitation Commission Act, 1962
3. 1973 — under the Delimitation Act, 1972
4. 2002 — under the Delimitation Act, 2002

👉 Therefore, till December 2023, the total number is four.

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❌ Why other options are incorrect

• One / Two / Three ❌
  These ignore one or more of the historically constituted Delimitation Commissions, particularly the 2002 Commission, whose orders came into effect in phases after 2008.

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🧩 Prelims Trap Alert

🔸 Delimitation Commission ≠ Delimitation Exercise
Even if delimitation is frozen (as for Lok Sabha seats till 2026), the Commission’s existence count does not change.

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🧭 IAS Monk Whisper

In Indian polity, some institutions speak softly—but their words are final. Delimitation is one such quiet authority.