UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Plea in SC asks whether States can redraw wards during Census

Q1. With reference to the legal framework under which States freeze administrative boundaries for the Census in India, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The boundary freeze binds States only for the period notified by the Census authority, not indefinitely.
  2. The obligation on States to freeze administrative boundaries comes from rules framed under the Census law, not from a provision of Part IXA of the Constitution.
  3. The Constitution does not itself fix the interval at which a Census must be held.
  • A. 2 and 3 only
  • B. 1 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 2 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q2. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. A State government is required to freeze the boundaries of its districts and tehsils during the period notified for a Census.
  2. Census is a subject in the Concurrent List, so rules made by the Union on it override contrary State action.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q3. With reference to the readjustment of Lok Sabha constituencies and the delimitation of municipal wards, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A readjustment of Lok Sabha constituencies made after a Census does not affect representation in the House existing at that time.
  2. Article 82 entrusts the readjustment of Lok Sabha constituencies to the State Election Commission of each State.
  3. A State must redraw its municipal wards whenever the Lok Sabha constituencies in that State are readjusted.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 2 only
  • D. 1 and 3 only

Q4. Consider the following statements: Which of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?

  1. The Census boundary freeze restricts only the Union government's reorganisation of territories and does not reach administrative units created by State governments.
  2. Boundaries are frozen during the Census so that the units coded and the blocks formed for enumeration continue to match the units on the ground.
  • A. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II explains Statement-I
  • B. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct, but Statement-II does not explain Statement-I
  • C. Statement-I is correct, but Statement-II is incorrect
  • D. Statement-I is incorrect, but Statement-II is correct

Q5. With reference to the duration of municipalities under Article 243U of the Constitution of India, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above are correct?

  1. Where less than six months of a dissolved municipality's term remain, holding an election to reconstitute it is not mandatory.
  2. An amendment of a law cannot dissolve a municipality that was functioning just before the amendment until its duration expires.
  3. A municipality constituted after a premature dissolution continues only for the remainder of the dissolved municipality's term.
  4. The five-year duration of a municipality is counted from the date on which the results of its election are declared.
  • A. 1, 2, 3 and 4
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1, 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1 and 4 only

Q6. With reference to the freeze on administrative boundaries during a Census in India, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. A State government may exempt particular districts or tehsils from the freeze by issuing its own notification.
  2. The freeze keeps the units coded and the blocks formed for enumeration matched to the units on the ground.
  3. The freeze applies to units such as districts and tehsils whose boundaries a State government can otherwise alter.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 2 and 3 only
  • C. 1 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q7. In June 2026, a State government issues a notification creating a new district by carving out two tehsils of an existing one. Which of the following most accurately describes the legal position of this action?

  • A. It takes effect for Census purposes once the State Election Commission approves the new boundaries
  • B. It conflicts with the State's duty under the Census Rules to keep such boundaries unchanged in the window
  • C. It is barred by Article 243ZG, which forbids altering any administrative unit while a Census is on
  • D. It is valid for Census use, as States hold exclusive power over Census operations within their territory