Part 16 of Indian Constitution: Special Provisions for SC/ST/OBC (Articles 330-342)

Part 16 of Indian Constitution outlines ‘Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes.’ It focuses on the empowerment and inclusion of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and the Anglo-Indian community. It provides for their representation in legislatures, as well as reservations in education and public employment, to ensure social justice and equal opportunities. Explore other Constitutional Articles.

Part 16 of Indian Constitution Overview

Part 16 of Indian Constitution provides special provisions for the representation and advancement of Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST) and Anglo-Indian community. It mandates the reservation of seats for Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies and also representation for the Anglo-Indian community in both Houses. According to Article 334, these provisions are set to cease after 60 years. Article 335 recognizes the claims of Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes to services. Article 338 and Article 338A establish National Commissions for both groups. Part 16 of the Constitution of India aims to promote social justice and ensure adequate representation for marginalized communities in India.

Download 5 key take aways on Part 16 of Indian Constitution Free PDF

Part 16 of Indian Constitution deals with special provisions relating to certain classes mainly focusing on the representation and upliftment of Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs) and the Anglo-Indian community. Following is a brief overview of the components in Part 16 of Constitution of India:

The judiciary has played an important role in interpretation and reinforcement of the provisions under Part 16 of Indian Constitution. The following landmark cases highlighted the constitutional commitment to social justice, representation and effective functioning of bodies established for the welfare of marginalized communities:

• Indra Sawhney vs Union of India (1992): Though it focused on employment reservations but the case highlighted the need for affirmative action and representation and supporting the rationale behind Article 330 of Indian Constitution.
• State of Kerala vs N.M. Thomas (1976): The Court upheld the state's power to implement reservations for backward classes, reinforcing the spirit of Article 330.
• All India Indian Overseas Bank SC/ST Employees’ Welfare Association v. Union of India (1996): The Court stressed active protection of SC/ST rights, underscoring the role of the NCSC under Article 338 under Part 16 of Indian Constitution.
• National Campaign Committee for Construction Labour v. Union of India (2018): The Court noted that weak implementation of bodies like those under Article 338 leads to injustice, stressing the need for empowered constitutional commissions.