Consider the following statements:
Statement-I: The Supreme Court of India has held in some judgements that the reservation policies made under Article 16(4) of the Constitution of India would be limited by Article 335 for maintenance of efficiency of the administration.
Statement-II: Article 335 of the Constitution of India defines the term 'efficiency of administration'.
Which one of the following is correct in respect of the above statements?
Detailed Explanation:
Answer: Option 3 — Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
This question tests the understanding of Article 335 and its relationship with Article 16(4) regarding reservation in services. Statement-I correctly reflects the Supreme Court's interpretation in various judgments, while Statement-II incorrectly claims that Article 335 defines 'efficiency of administration'.
✅ Statement-I – Correct: The Supreme Court has held in multiple judgments (including M. Nagaraj v. Union of India, 2006) that reservation policies under Article 16(4) must be balanced with the maintenance of efficiency of administration as mentioned in Article 335. The Court has emphasized that reservation is not an absolute right and must be consistent with administrative efficiency.
❌ Statement-II – Incorrect: Article 335 does not define the term 'efficiency of administration'. It merely mentions that claims of SC/ST members shall be considered consistently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration. The term remains undefined in the Constitution, leaving its interpretation to judicial discretion and administrative context.
📝 Short Notes: Articles 335 and 16(4) - Reservation vs. Efficiency
| Article | Provision | Key Points |
|---|---|---|
| Article 16(4) | Reservation for backward classes | Enables the State to make provisions for reservation in appointments/posts for any backward class inadequately represented in State services. Not an exception to Article 16(1) but an aspect of equality itself (Indra Sawhney case). |
| Article 335 | Claims of SCs and STs to services and posts | States that claims of SC/ST members shall be considered consistently with maintenance of efficiency of administration. Does not define 'efficiency of administration'. Acts as a balancing provision. |
| Supreme Court's Interpretation: | ||
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Question 2 of 5 Right to Equality
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