Article 82 of Indian Constitution: Readjustment after each census.
Article 82 Readjustment after each census – Constitution Of India
Upon the completion of each census, the allocation of seats in the House of the People to the States and the division of each State into territorial constituencies shall be readjusted by such authority and in such manner as Parliament may by law determine: Provided that such readjustment shall not affect representation in the House of the People until the dissolution of the then existing House: Provided further that such readjustment shall take effect from such date as the President may, by order, specify and until such readjustment takes effect, any election to the House may be held on the basis of the territorial constituencies existing before such readjustment: Provided also that until the relevant figures for the first census taken after the year 3 [2026] have been published, it shall not be necessary to readjust—
(i) the allocation of seats in the House of People to the States as readjusted on the basis of the 1971 census; and
(ii) the division of each State into territorial constituencies as may be readjusted on the basis of the 5 [2001] census, under this article.
📘 Article 82 – Readjustment after Each Census
🔹 Main Purpose:
To readjust:
- 🧮 Allocation of seats in the Lok Sabha (House of the People) to different States.
- 🗺️ Division of each State into territorial constituencies.
🔹 When?
✅ After completion of each census
🛠️ Parliament will determine the authority and method by law.
🔹 Provisions/Conditions:
- 🕒 Readjustment won’t affect current House
→ Until existing Lok Sabha is dissolved - 📆 Effective Date
→ Specified by the President by order - 🗳️ Elections Before Readjustment?
→ Can be held using old constituencies - 🚫 Freeze Until After Census Post-2026
→ No need to readjust until:- (i) Allocation of seats: Based on 1971 census
- (ii) Territorial constituencies: Based on 2001 census
Flow Chart to Explain the Process of Readjustment after each census
