Delimitation in Telangana, Andhra Pradesh Deferred Until Post-2026 Census: SC

Swift Summary

• The Supreme Court ruled that ther is no discrimination against Andhra Pradesh or Telangana in the Centre’s delimitation efforts limited to jammu & Kashmir.
• The ruling referenced Article 170(3) of the Constitution, which mandates readjustment of Legislative Assembly seats and territorial constituencies after each census.
• Section 26 of the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act (2014) was found subject to Article 170(3).
• Delimitation exercises in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana are scheduled after the census in 2026.
• A plea by K. Purushottam Reddy seeking immediate implementation of Section 26 for constituency delimitation was dismissed by a Bench led by justice Surya Kant.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The Supreme Court’s decision underscores adherence to constitutional guidelines, notably article 170(3), which ties state-level delimitation procedures to post-census adjustments. By dismissing claims of discrimination and clarifying that Andhra Pradesh and Telangana must wait until the completion of the next census cycle in 2026, this judgment reinforces an orderly approach based on legal precedence over regional urgencies. For India’s democratic framework, such clarity ensures uniformity in legislative processes across states while safeguarding compliance with established laws. However, this ruling may prompt debates within affected states regarding delays and their implications for governance.

Read more at: The Hindu