🏛️ Article 334 of the Indian Constitution
Title: Reservation of seats and special representation to cease after a certain period
📘 Purpose:
Article 334 sets a time limit on the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and nomination of Anglo-Indians in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.
Originally, the provision was meant to cease after 10 years from the commencement of the Constitution (i.e., by 1960), but it has been extended repeatedly through constitutional amendments.
🔍 Key Provisions:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Applies To | - Article 330 (SC/ST in Lok Sabha) |
-
Article 332 (SC/ST in State Assemblies)
-
Article 331 & 333 (Anglo-Indian nominations)* *(now repealed) |
| Original Expiry Period | 10 years from 1950 → i.e., until 26 January 1960 |
| Extensions Made | ✅ Extended several times via Constitutional Amendments |
| Latest Extension | ✅ 104th Constitutional Amendment Act, 2019: -
Anglo-Indian nominations ended
-
SC/ST reservations extended till 25 January 2030 |
| Current Status | 🔹 SC/ST reservations continue till 2030
🔴 Anglo-Indian nomination ended in 2020 |
📊 Timeline of Extensions under Article 334
| Amendment | Year | New Expiry Year | What Was Extended |
|---|---|---|---|
| 8th Amendment | 1959 | 1970 | SC/ST & Anglo-Indian provisions |
| 23rd Amendment | 1969 | 1980 | Continued both reservations |
| 45th Amendment | 1980 | 1990 | Same |
| 62nd Amendment | 1989 | 2000 | Same |
| 79th Amendment | 1999 | 2010 | Same |
| 95th Amendment | 2009 | 2020 | Same |
| ✅ 104th Amendment | 2019 | 2030 | ❌ Ended Anglo-Indian nominations |
| ✅ Extended SC/ST reservations only |
🧠 Why Article 334 Matters:
-
Prevents permanent reservation, keeping it a temporary affirmative measure
-
Allows Parliament to review the need for continuation of political representation
-
Ensures periodic democratic accountability
Here is a 📊 Comparative Chart of Articles 330 to 334 of the Indian Constitution — covering reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Anglo-Indians in Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies, along with time limits and repeals.
🏛️ Chart: Articles 330 to 334 – Political Representation of SCs, STs, and Anglo-Indians
| Article | Title | Provision Type | Applies To | Status | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 330 | Reservation of seats for SCs & STs in Lok Sabha | Reserved seats | Lok Sabha | ✅ Active till 2030 | Based on population proportion |
| 331 | Representation of Anglo-Indians in Lok Sabha (repealed) | Nominated seats (max 2) | Lok Sabha | ❌ Repealed (2020) | Removed via 104th Amendment |
| 332 | Reservation of seats for SCs & STs in State Assemblies | Reserved seats | State Legislative Assemblies | ✅ Active till 2030 | Includes tribal areas with special provisions |
| 333 | Representation of Anglo-Indians in State Assemblies (repealed) | Nominated seat (max 1) | State Legislative Assemblies | ❌ Repealed (2020) | Removed via 104th Amendment |
| 334 | Time limit on SC/ST reservation & Anglo-Indian nominations | Duration clause | Articles 330–333 | ✅ Active (modified) | SC/ST reservation extended till 2030, Anglo-Indian ended |
🧠 Key Notes:
-
🗓️ SC/ST reservations in Lok Sabha & State Assemblies:
✔️ Active till 25 January 2030 -
❌ Anglo-Indian nominations ended in:
✔️ Lok Sabha & State Assemblies via 104th Amendment Act, 2019 -
🔄 Article 334 allowed multiple extensions (every 10 years) since 1960.
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