Concept:
This is a linear arrangement problem based on numerical order. To solve it, we must determine the orientation of the seat numbers (i.e., whether the numbers increase or decrease as we move to the right or left).
Step 1: Determine the numerical direction.
• Hemant is in seat 253.
• Manoj is to the right of Hemant in seat 254.
This establishes that moving to the right increases the seat number, and moving to the left decreases the seat number.
Step 2: Map the positions to the left.
• One seat to the left of Hemant (253) is Gopal.
• Calculation: $253 - 1 = \mathbf{252}$. So, Gopal is in seat 252.
Step 3: Find Iqbal's seat.
• Iqbal is sitting to the left of Gopal (252).
• Calculation: $252 - 1 = \mathbf{251}$.
Step 4: Conclusion.
The seat numbers in order from left to right are: 251 (Iqbal), 252 (Gopal), 253 (Hemant), 254 (Manoj). Therefore, Iqbal is in seat 251.