Second Amendment of the Constitution of India

The Second Amendment of the Indian Constitution, officially called The Constitution (Second Amendment) Act, 1952, introduced an essential change to ho

The Second Amendment of the Indian Constitution: Explained in Simple Terms

The Second Amendment of the Indian Constitution, officially called The Constitution (Second Amendment) Act, 1952, introduced an essential change to how the population was represented in Parliament. 

The amendment modified Article 81(1)(b), which previously limited the population each parliamentary constituency could represent. This post delves into the purpose, details, and impact of the Second Amendment, showing how it ensured fairer and more adaptable representation in India’s Parliament.

---

Purpose of the Second Amendment of Indian Constitution

In the original Constitution, Article 81(1)(b) had set specific population limits for parliamentary constituencies. It stated that each constituency should have one representative for every 750,000 people, with a maximum of one representative for every 500,000 people. 

However, after the 1951 Census, it became clear that India's rapidly growing population and variations across regions made these limits impractical. With an upper limit of 500 members for the House of the People (Lok Sabha) as per Article 81(1)(a), these population-based limits restricted the flexibility required for fair representation.

To address this, the government introduced the Second Amendment to remove these strict population limits. This change was intended to make constituency boundaries more adaptable to the actual population figures, preventing the need for frequent adjustments.

---

Key Changes Brought by the Second Amendment

The Second Amendment modified Article 81(1)(b) of the Constitution in a crucial way:

• Removal of Upper Population Limit: The amendment omitted the words "not less than one member for every 750,000 of the population," which had limited the maximum population each parliamentary representative could cover. This change gave more flexibility to the number of people a single parliamentary constituency could represent.

The text of Article 81(1) now reads as follows after the amendment:

• Article 81(1)(a): “Subject to the provisions of clause (2) and of articles 82 and 331, the House of the People shall consist of not more than 500 members directly elected by the voters in the States.”

• Article 81(1)(b): For the purpose of sub-clause (a), the States shall be divided into constituencies, with the number of members assigned to each constituency based on population, but without any minimum population requirement.

This change was a critical adjustment, ensuring that population increases would not continually necessitate boundary changes, thus promoting stable and fairer representation.

---

Proposal and Enactment of the Second Amendment of Indian Constitution

The Second Amendment Bill was introduced in the Lok Sabha (House of the People) on June 18, 1952, by C.C. Biswas, the then-Minister of Law and Minority Affairs. During the bill’s discussion, it was evident that:

1. Population Growth: The 1951 Census showed significant population growth, affecting the basis for representation. States were found to vary in population, leading to disproportionate constituency sizes if the strict population limits were applied.

2. Upper Limit of Seats in the Lok Sabha: Article 81(1)(a) capped Lok Sabha membership at 500, complicating the ability to add seats to match population changes.

3. Delimitation and Re-Adjustment: The amendment enabled setting up a Delimitation Commission to realign the boundaries and adjust representation more effectively based on population without being bound to strict numbers.

The amendment underwent several rounds of debate in both houses of Parliament, including referral to a Select Committee. After thorough discussions, the Lok Sabha passed the bill on December 15, 1952, and the Rajya Sabha approved it on December 19, 1952. President Rajendra Prasad signed it into law on May 1, 1953, and it was published in the Gazette of India on May 2, 1953.

---

Why the Second Amendment Was Necessary

The Second Amendment played a vital role in the early years of India’s democratic structure. Here’s why it was so significant:

1. Flexible Representation: By removing the strict population caps, the amendment allowed Parliament to allocate representatives based on practical population needs without frequent constitutional amendments.

2. Adaptability: As India’s population continued to grow, especially in some states, this flexibility ensured that the electoral boundaries could evolve with demographics without the need for constant legal adjustments.

3. Equitable Representation: With the population limits gone, it was easier to achieve balanced representation across various states and Union Territories, which differed greatly in population density.

4. Foundation for Delimitation Commissions: This amendment laid the groundwork for future Delimitation Commissions, which periodically re-evaluate and adjust constituency boundaries based on the latest census.

---

Impact of the Second Amendment of Indian Constitution

The Second Amendment has had lasting implications for India’s political landscape. By easing the process of adjusting parliamentary seats and constituencies, it contributed to the flexibility needed in a democracy as diverse and populous as India. 

The Delimitation Commissions established later were able to operate more effectively, ensuring that the people of each region were appropriately represented in the Lok Sabha.

---

Conclusion: The Legacy of the Second Amendment of Indian Constitution

The Second Amendment was a thoughtful response to a growing nation’s changing demographic needs. By removing rigid population limits, it allowed India to uphold its commitment to fair representation without over-complicating the parliamentary system. This amendment exemplifies how constitutional provisions can adapt to real-world challenges, ensuring that governance remains responsive and inclusive.

The Second Amendment’s impact continues to influence the Lok Sabha's structure, making it an essential part of India's journey towards a more balanced and representative democracy.