Author: Dr. Manu Datta

Abstract
As the five-decade long moratorium on delimitation of constituencies of Lok Sabha is going to end in 2026, the debate around its extension or otherwise is gaining momentum. The issue, in all likelihood, is going to present a difficult choice before policy makers in India. On the one end of the debate is constitutional obligation of electoral equality in different constituencies, on the other is equally pressing need of federal balance between States. Present paper delves into principle of equal value of vote, which is at the core of representative democracy. The study examines concerns of southern states of India in relation to possible adverse impact of delimitation. The paper argues that a balanced and
long-term approach is required to find out a solution wherein democratic representation and federal concerns may be addressed without causing unnecessary friction.

Published in: GIBS Law Journal, February 2026 (Volume-8, Number-1)

Keyword: Democratic Representation Electoral Equality | Federal Balance | Long-Term Approach

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