Part VI - The States • Article

Article 170 Simplified: Composition of the Legislative Assemblies

Sets the rules for the size and composition of State Legislative Assemblies (Vidhan Sabhas). It limits the strength of each Assembly to between 60 and 500 members, directly elected by the people. Seat readjustments are based on census figures, but are currently frozen until the first census after 2026.

Official Text

(1) Subject to the provisions of article 333, the Legislative Assembly of each State shall consist of not more than five hundred, and not less than sixty, members chosen by direct election from territorial constituencies in the State. (2) For the purposes of clause (1), each State shall be divided into territorial constituencies in such manner that the ratio between the population of each constituency and the number of seats allotted to it shall, so far as practicable, be the same throughout the State. [Explanation.-In this clause, the expression “population” means the population as ascertained at the last preceding census of which the relevant figures have been published: Provided that the reference in this Explanation to the last preceding census of which the relevant figures have been published shall, until the relevant figures for the first census taken after the year [2026] have been published, be construed as a reference to the [2001] census.] (3) Upon the completion of each census, the total number of seats in the Legislative Assembly of each State and the division of each State into territorial constituencies shall be readjusted by such authority and in such manner as Parliament may by law determine: Provided that such readjustment shall not affect representation in the Legislative Assembly until the dissolution of the then existing Assembly: [Provided further that such readjustment shall take effect from such date as the President may, by order, specify and until such readjustment takes effect, any election to the Legislative Assembly may be held on the basis of the territorial constituencies existing before such readjustment: Provided also that until the relevant figures for the first census taken after the year [2026] have been published, it shall not be necessary to [readjust- (i) the total number of seats in the Legislative Assembly of each State as readjusted on the basis of the 1971 census; and (ii) the division of such State into territorial constituencies as may be readjusted on the basis of the [2001] census, under this clause.]

Simple Meaning

Explain Like Ten

It says each state assembly must have between 60 and 500 members (MLAs) elected directly by the citizens to represent their local areas.

Student Mode

Sets the parameters for the size (60 to 500 members) and direct election of Legislative Assemblies, with seats readjusted based on census results, currently frozen until the first census post-2026.

Example

Uttar Pradesh has the largest Legislative Assembly with 403 members, whereas Sikkim has only 32 members due to special provisions for small states under Article 371F, bypassing Article 170's general 60-member minimum.

Key Takeaway

State Legislative Assemblies must have between 60 and 500 members directly elected from local constituencies, with seat counts frozen until post-2026.

FAQs

What are the upper and lower limits on Assembly members?

A State Legislative Assembly must have at most 500 members and at least 60 members, chosen by direct election.

Are there exceptions to the minimum limit of 60 members?

Yes. Small states like Goa (40), Sikkim (32), and Mizoram (40) have fewer members through special constitutional provisions (e.g., Article 371F for Sikkim).

Why is the readjustment of assembly seats frozen?

The 84th Amendment froze the readjustment of seats based on the 1971 census (for total seats) and the 2001 census (for constituency boundaries) until the first census after 2026 to ensure states with successful population control policies are not penalized.

How are constituencies divided within a state?

They are divided such that the ratio between the population of each constituency and the number of seats allotted to it is, as far as practicable, uniform throughout the state.

Quiz

What is the maximum number of members allowed in a State Legislative Assembly under Article 170?

Answer: 500

Which census is currently used to determine the total number of seats in a Legislative Assembly?

Answer: 1971 Census

What is the constitutional minimum number of members for regular State Legislative Assemblies?

Answer: 60

Until when is the readjustment of seats in the Legislative Assemblies frozen?

Answer: 2026