Delimitation Commission's Formula Set Tamil Nadu's 234 Assembly Seats
Tamil Nadu's Legislative Assembly strength of 234 seats was determined by the Delimitation Commission after the 1961 Census. Under Article 170 of the Constitution and Section 8(b) of the Delimitation Commission Act, 1962, Assembly seats must be an integral multiple of Lok Sabha seats. Despite an initial reduction of Madras' (Tamil Nadu's) Lok Sabha seats from 41 to 39, the Commission uniquely increased its Assembly multiple from five to six, preventing a contraction in representation and ensuring legislative balance. This calculated departure by the Commission has shaped the state's political landscape for decades.
Key Points
- Tamil Nadu's Legislative Assembly strength of 234 seats was established by the Delimitation Commission following the 1961 Census.
- The Delimitation Commission Act, 1962, mandates that Assembly seats be an integral multiple of the Lok Sabha seats allotted to a state.
- Madras' Lok Sabha seats were reduced from 41 to 39, but the Commission made a "calculated departure" by increasing the Assembly multiple from 5 to 6.
- This adjustment prevented a significant contraction in the state's representation and maintained legislative balance.
- The 234-seat structure, along with the majority mark of 118, continues to shape Tamil Nadu's electoral strategy and political dynamics.
Exam Facts
- Tamil Nadu's Assembly has 234 seats.
- The Delimitation Commission undertook the redistribution after the 1961 Census.
- Article 170 of the Constitution and Section 8(b) of the Delimitation Commission Act, 1962, govern seat allocation.
- The Commission was chaired by Justice J.L. Kapur.
- Madras' Lok Sabha strength was reduced from 41 to 39.
Read it. Retain it. Recall it.
Get spaced-repetition flashcards, daily quizzes and offline access — free on Android.