Consider the following statements :
Statement-I:
The Supreme Court of India has held in some judgments 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 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?
- A.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
- B.Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
- C.Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
- D.Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
▶ Answer & Explanation
Correct answer: C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
Article 16(4) of the Constitution allows for reservations in public employment for backward classes. However, the Supreme Court has consistently held that this power is subject to the overriding consideration of the 'efficiency of administration' as mandated by Article 335. Article 335 itself does not define 'efficiency of administration'; rather, it states that the claims of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes shall be taken into consideration, consistently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration, in the making of appointments to services and posts. The interpretation and application of what constitutes 'efficiency' in this context have evolved through judicial pronouncements.
Source: UPSC gs1 2023