New Delhi, July 25, 2025:
The Supreme Court of India has delivered a significant verdict, rejecting a petition seeking the increase of assembly constituencies in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana based on the Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014.
The petition was filed by *Professor Purushotham, who argued that the number of constituencies in both Telugu-speaking states should be increased in accordance with the provisions of the Reorganisation Act. However, the apex court refused to admit the petition and clarified that *delimitation of constituencies will take place only after the 2026 population census.
What Did the Court Say?
During the hearing, the Supreme Court clearly stated that *no delimitation exercise can be carried out until after 2026, as mandated by the constitutional and legal framework. This aligns with the provisions under Article 82 and the *84th Amendment to the Constitution, which froze delimitation until the first census post-2026.
The petitioner’s argument that the Reorganisation Act allows for an increase in seats without waiting for the census was not accepted by the bench.
“Any modification in the number of assembly constituencies must adhere strictly to the constitutional timeline and census data,” the bench noted.
Background: What Is the Reorganisation Act Provision?
The *Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2014, passed during the bifurcation of the state, does mention a potential increase in the number of assembly seats—from 175 to 225 in Andhra Pradesh, and *from 119 to 153 in Telangana. However, the Centre has not moved forward with this due to the existing freeze on delimitation.
Political experts say that unless a special amendment or legal exception is made, *the increase in constituencies cannot happen before the next delimitation cycle, which is based on *post-2026 census data.
Key Highlights:
- Supreme Court dismisses plea to increase Assembly seats in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana
- Petition based on Andhra Pradesh Reorganisation Act filed by Prof. Purushotham
- Court clarifies that delimitation will only occur post-2026 population census
- No exception to current constitutional freeze on constituency expansion
- Reorganisation Act mentions seat increase, but implementation tied to census timeline
- Andhra: From 175 to 225 seats; Telangana: From 119 to 153 — still pending
- Legal clarity offered amid political expectations of larger representation