Multi-member seats: A short-lived experiment

The potential commencement of the Census next year could lead to the delimitation of parliamentary constituencies, a contentious issue, particularly for southern states concerned about representation. This brings to light India's historical experience with multi-member constituencies aimed at enhancing representation for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs).

Historical Background of Multi-Member Constituencies

• Concept and Implementation: Multi-member constituencies were introduced in India during the first two general elections (1951-52 and 1957) to ensure representation for SCs and STs. These constituencies allowed voters to elect more than one member, with specific arrangements for general and reserved candidates, thereby aiming to promote inclusivity.
• Initial Elections and Composition: In the 1951-52 elections, out of 72 Lok Sabha seats reserved for SCs, 71 were two-member constituencies, and North Bengal had a unique three-member setup. This design was intended to ensure that SCs and STs were adequately represented alongside general candidates, reflecting their population distribution across regions.
• Decline in Usage: The use of multi-member constituencies faced challenges, as evidenced by the 1957 elections, where significant victories for SC and ST candidates in two-member constituencies led to dissatisfaction among general category candidates. This resulted in the eventual decision to abolish the system, influenced by court rulings that permitted reserved category candidates to contest general seats.

Political Implications and Consequences

• Election Outcomes: The electoral outcomes in 1957, which favored SC and ST candidates in constituencies previously thought to be favorable for general candidates, raised questions about the effectiveness of the multi-member system. This shift prompted general candidates to challenge the legitimacy of these election results.
• Judicial Review and Legislative Changes: Following various legal challenges, the Supreme Court upheld the right of SC and ST candidates to contest both reserved and general seats in two-member constituencies. This judicial decision catalyzed a reconsideration of multi-member constituencies, ultimately leading to legislative amendments to eliminate them from the electoral framework.
• Long-term Impact on Representation: The dissolution of multi-member constituencies marked a significant shift in electoral strategy and representation in India. It reinforced the existing single-member constituency framework, prompting further discussions on how to ensure equitable representation for marginalized communities in the political landscape.

Current Relevance and Future Considerations

• Upcoming Census and Delimitation: With the impending Census and discussions surrounding delimitation, the historical context of constituency representation gains renewed significance. Stakeholders are once again debating how best to ensure fair representation in light of demographic changes and evolving political landscapes.
• Implications for Southern States: Southern states express concerns about potential reductions in their parliamentary representation due to population shifts. This scenario highlights the ongoing need to address representation equity, especially for historically marginalized groups.
• Broader Electoral Reforms: The historical experiment with multi-member constituencies offers insights into the complexities of electoral representation. As India approaches future electoral reforms, it must balance the interests of various groups while ensuring inclusivity and fairness in the democratic process.

Practice Question

Q. Evaluate the implications of the historical experiment with multi-member constituencies in India. How do past experiences inform current debates on delimitation and representation in the context of the upcoming Census?