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Polity & Governance2023
Consider the following statements: Statement-I: 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 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?

Explanation

The correct option states that Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect because while the Supreme Court has indeed held that reservation policies under Article 16(4) must be balanced against the need to maintain efficiency in administration as stipulated by Article 335, Article 335 itself does not define 'efficiency of administration.' Instead, it emphasizes that the claims of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to services and posts should be taken into consideration but always in the context of maintaining administrative efficiency. This principle is critical in examining the relationship between affirmative action and governance, reflecting the tension between social justice and administrative competence in the context of Article 16 and Article 335 of the Constitution.

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