UPSC Previous Year Question | Prelims GS | 2023

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 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?

  1. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
  2. Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
  3. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
  4. Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct

Answer

Correct Answer

Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

Explanation

The Supreme Court has indeed held that reservations under Article 16(4) are subject to the requirement of maintaining efficiency of administration under Article 335 (Statement-I true). However, Article 335 itself does not define what 'efficiency of administration' means; it merely mentions the consideration, leaving interpretation to courts (Statement-II false).

Topics: article 16(4), article 335, polity, reservation policy