Two residents of Arattupuzha Grama Panchayat have approached the Kerala High Court, contesting the recent delimitation process that increased the number of wards in their panchayat from 18 to 19. The petitioners argue that this delimitation is founded on inaccurate data, rendering the process illegal.
Background of the Delimitation Process
The Kerala Delimitation Commission's guidelines stipulate that the population of a constituency should be calculated by dividing the total population of the grama panchayat (as per the 2011 census) by the current total number of residential houses (as per the Assessment Register), and then multiplying by the number of residential homes in the constituency.
Petitioners' Allegations of Data Inaccuracy
The petitioners claim that the Assessment Register, available on the Sanchaya portal, contains inaccuracies. They assert that the register includes houses damaged by sea erosion, uninhabited structures, and properties from which residents have relocated under government resettlement programs. Additionally, they allege duplication of houses and inclusion of non-residential structures such as shops, barns, and temporary sheds in the register.
Legal Context and Previous Court Rulings
This challenge arises in the context of previous legal disputes over delimitation processes in Kerala. In December 2024, the Kerala High Court invalidated delimitation exercises in eight municipalities and one panchayat, citing the use of outdated population data from the 2011 census. The court emphasized that modifications to local body seats must align with current and relevant population data to ensure equitable representation.
However, in February 2025, a Division Bench of the Kerala High Court overturned this decision, affirming the state's authority to determine the strength of local bodies in the interest of effective governance. The court held that the government could utilize existing census data to alter the number of seats, provided such alterations remain within statutory limits. The bench underscored that requiring the government to await a fresh census before making adjustments could disrupt the effective functioning of local bodies.
Current Legal Proceedings
In light of these developments, the residents of Arattupuzha Grama Panchayat have filed a petition challenging the delimitation process in their area, focusing on the alleged inaccuracies in the data used. The Kerala High Court has scheduled the next hearing for March 10, 2025, to deliberate on these concerns.
Implications for Local Governance
The outcome of this case could have significant implications for local governance in Kerala. Accurate delimitation is crucial for ensuring fair representation, equitable resource allocation, and effective administration. The court's decision will likely influence how future delimitation exercises are conducted, particularly concerning the accuracy and reliability of data used in the process.
Conclusion
The challenge to the delimitation process in Arattupuzha Grama Panchayat highlights ongoing debates about the methodologies and data accuracy in determining local governance structures. As the Kerala High Court reviews the petition, its ruling will be pivotal in setting precedents for future delimitation exercises, ensuring they are based on precise and current data to uphold the principles of fair representation and effective governance.
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