Consider the following statements :
1. 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.
2. 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?
A
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is the correct explanation for Statement-I
B
Both Statement-I and Statement-II are correct and Statement-II is not the correct explanation for Statement-I
C
Statement-I is correct but Statement-II is incorrect
D
Statement-I is incorrect but Statement-II is correct
Correct Answer: Option C
Explanation
1. Statement-I: The Supreme Court of India, in several landmark judgements such as Indra Sawhney vs. Union of India (1992) and M. Nagaraj vs. Union of India (2006), has consistently held that reservation policies implemented under Article 16(4) of the Constitution of India must be balanced with the requirement stipulated in Article 335, which pertains to the maintenance of efficiency of administration. The Court has emphasized that reservations should not unduly compromise administrative efficiency. Therefore, Statement-I is correct.
2. Statement-II: Article 335 of the Constitution of India states: "The claims of the members of the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes shall be taken into consideration, consistently with the maintenance of efficiency of administration, in the making of appointments to services and posts in connection with the affairs of the Union or of a State." While it mandates consideration of administrative efficiency, the Article itself does not provide a specific definition of the term 'efficiency of administration'. The interpretation of this term has evolved through judicial pronouncements. Therefore, Statement-II is incorrect.
3. Since Statement-I is correct and Statement-II is incorrect, option (C) is the correct choice.