Prelims 2023 · Polity and Constitution · Question 20
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?
Answer
Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
Statement-I: Correct. The Supreme Court has held in cases such as M. Nagaraj that reservation in services under Article 16(4)/16(4A) is subject to constitutional limitations, and Article 335 is one such limit because it requires consideration of the efficiency of administration.
Statement-II: Incorrect. Article 335 does not define the term "efficiency of administration"; it only states that the claims of SCs/STs shall be taken into consideration consistently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration.
Answer: Since Statement-I is correct and Statement-II is incorrect, the correct option is (c).