Article 334 Simplified: Reservation of seats and special representation to cease after certain period

Official Text

Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing provisions of this Part, the provisions of this Constitution relating to— (a) the reservation of seats for the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes in the House of the People and in the Legislative Assemblies of the States; and (b) the representation of the Anglo-Indian community in the House of the People and in the Legislative Assemblies of the States by nomination, shall cease to have effect on the expiration of a period of [eighty years in respect of clause (a) and seventy years in respect of clause (b)] from the commencement of this Constitution: Provided that nothing in this article shall affect any representation in the House of the People or in the Legislative Assembly of a State until the dissolution of the then existing House or Assembly, as the case may be.

Simple Meaning

Article 334 deals with reservation of seats and special representation to cease after certain period. It shapes political representation by reserving or continuing seats and ensuring specified groups are represented in Parliament or State Legislatures as the Constitution provides.

Explain Like Ten

This rule originally said that saving seats for SC/ST and nominating Anglo-Indians would only last for 10 years. But because these groups still need support, Parliament has extended the SC/ST seat reservations every 10 years.

Student Mode

Sets the duration limit for SC/ST political reservations and Anglo-Indian nominations. Originally set to expire 10 years from 1950. While SC/ST reservations have been continuously extended by 10-year increments (currently set to expire 80 years from 1950, i.e., January 25, 2030, under the 104th Amendment), the nomination of Anglo-Indians was not extended and ended in 2020.

Example

If an election planner or student asks how reserved seats for women, Scheduled Castes, or Scheduled Tribes operate, Article 334 is one of the constitutional provisions to check.

Key Takeaway

Article 334 connects democratic representation with constitutional safeguards for inclusion.

FAQs

How long was political reservation originally supposed to last under Article 334?

The Constitution originally set a limit of ten years from its commencement (i.e., until January 25, 1960) for both SC/ST reservations and Anglo-Indian nominations.

What is the current expiration date of SC/ST legislative reservations?

Under the 104th Constitutional Amendment Act (2019), the reservation of seats for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha and State Assemblies is extended until January 25, 2030.

Quiz

What was the original duration of legislative seat reservations for SCs/STs under the 1950 Constitution?

Answer: 10 years

Under the 104th Amendment (2019), for how many years from 1950 are SC/ST legislative reservations extended?

Answer: 80 years

Related Topics

• Article 333
• Article 335