Tamil Nadu should be compensated with Rs 5,600 crores for the reduction of parliamentary seats as a result of successful population control: Madras High Court
The Madras High Court recently described the reduction in parliamentary seats given to Tamil Nadu in the Lok Sabha as “unfair and unjustified” after the state was able to lower its population in 1967 thanks to successful birth control efforts. It was noted that such a strategy amounted to penalize states that had successfully implemented family planning methods.
The bench, which included Justices N. Kirubakaran (since retired) and B. Pugalendhi, stated,
“Can the Central Government’s successful implementation of family planning programs be used against the people of the State by removing political representation in the Parliament?”
Tamil Nadu had 41 representatives in the Lok Sabha until 1962, according to the Court. However, due to population decline; the number of Lok Sabha constituencies in Tamil Nadu was reduced by two seats to 39 as a result of a delimitation process.
The Bench also asked the Centre; why it should not be ordered to pay Tamil Nadu a nominal compensation of Rs 5,600 crore; for reducing its Member of Parliament (MP) seats from 41 to 39 since the 1967 general election.
“Because of the successful implementation of a national family planning program; the number of political representations in the Parliament has been lowered from 41 to 39; which is both unfair and unreasonable. Normally, a State Government should be praised and; praised for successfully implementing the Central Government’s programs and initiatives, and; the State’s interests should not be jeopardized “Observed the Court.
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