Consider the following statements :

Statement-I: The Supreme Court of India has held in some judgments that the reservation policies made under in Article 16(4) of the Constitution of India would be limited by Article 335 for the 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?

The correct answer is Option 3.

Key PointsReservation Policies and Efficiency in Administration

• Statement-I:
  • Supreme Court's Interpretation of Reservation and Efficiency
  • The Supreme Court of India has held in several judgments that the reservation policies under Article 16(4) are subject to Article 335, which requires the maintenance of the efficiency of administration.
  • For example, in the Indra Sawhney vs. Union of India (1992) case, the court ruled that reservations cannot exceed 50% to ensure administrative efficiency, except in exceptional circumstances.
  • Hence, Statement I is correct.
• Statement-II:
• Article 335 and the Definition of Efficiency
  • Article 335 mentions that the claims of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) should be considered in appointments, but consistent with the maintenance of efficiency in administration.
  • However, Article 335 does not define the term 'efficiency of administration.' It only highlights that efficiency should be maintained, leaving the interpretation of what constitutes efficiency to judicial and administrative discretion.
  • Hence, Statement II is incorrect.
  • Statement-I is correct, as the Supreme Court has held that reservation policies under Article 16(4) are subject to the maintenance of efficiency under Article 335.
  • Statement-II is incorrect, as Article 335 does not explicitly define 'efficiency of administration.'
  • Therefore, Option 3 is correct.