Polity · 18 Jul 2026

Article 82 delimitation freeze

With reference to the constitutional provisions on delimitation of Lok Sabha seats in India, consider the following statements:

  1. Article 82 of the Constitution mandates the reallocation of Lok Sabha seats after every census.
  2. The freeze on delimitation based on population was first imposed by the 84th Constitutional Amendment.
  3. The seat freeze, as last extended, lapses after the first census taken after the year

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

A1 and 2 only
B1 and 3 only
C2 and 3 only
D1, 2 and 3

Tests the ability to correctly attribute sequential constitutional amendments to their specific legal function rather than treating them as interchangeable references to "the freeze."

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This question is based on: Monsoon Session Standoff: Why the Delimitation Freeze Is a Federal Bargain, Not a Technicality
Take this in full test mode → Instructions for 18 Jul 2026
About this question

Why in news

Congress has resolved to oppose any Centre attempt to revive the Constitution (131st Amendment) Bill, which lapsed in April 2026 for want of a two-thirds majority, ahead of the Monsoon Session starting July 20.

Why for UPSC

UPSC regularly tests whether candidates can correctly attribute which amendment did what in a sequence of related amendments - here, distinguishing the 42nd Amendment (which created the freeze) from the 84th Amendment (which merely extended it) is the layer beneath the obvious "freeze exists" fact.

Prelims summary

Article 82 mandates delimitation after every census. The 42nd Amendment (1976) first froze delimitation; the 84th Amendment (2001) extended that freeze until after the first census post-2026.

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