Question 79 from UPSC CSE 2023 - Polity & Governanc e

Question

Consider the following statements:
1. 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.
2. 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?

Accepted Answer

Correct Option: C. Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect

Strategy: - **Statement 1:** Correctly links Supreme Court rulings to Article 16(4) and Article 335, a well-established connection from key judgments.
- **Statement 2:** Falsely asserts that Article 335 defines 'efficiency of administration.' In reality, the Article mentions the term but does not provide a definition.

Based on factual recall and precise reading, Statement 1 is correct and Statement 2 is incorrect.

Key Info: ## Constitutional Provisions and Efficiency of Administration

Indian constitutional articles and Supreme Court judgments delineate the framework for reservations and the principle of administrative efficiency.

-   **Article 16(4):** Empowers the State to make provisions for reservation of appointments or posts for any backward class of citizens not adequately represented in state services.
-   **Landmark Cases:** Judgments such as *Indra Sawhney v. Union of India (1992)* and *M. Nagaraj v. Union of India (2006)* clarified that reservations are subject to constitutional constraints, including the requirement to maintain 'efficiency of administration.'
-   **Article 335:** Stipulates that the claims of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in public employment should be considered, provided that 'efficiency of administration' is maintained.

Crucially, Article 335 mentions, but **does not define**, what constitutes 'efficiency of administration.' This term has been left to interpretation by the judiciary and the executive, leading to significant debate and litigation. The underlying principle is that while affirmative action is constitutionally permissible, it must not undermine the standards necessary for effective and efficient administration.

The Supreme Court has consistently reiterated that 'efficiency' acts as a guiding limitation on the operation of reservation policies. However, the content of 'efficiency' itself is neither statutorily nor constitutionally codified. Courts closely monitor the articulation of reservation policies to ensure a balanced approach between social justice and administrative competence.

Answer

Option A: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I

Answer

Option B: Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I

Answer

Option D: Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct