Home The Constitution Part XVI Article 340

Art. 340 Part XVI: Special Provisions Relating to Certain Classes

Appointment of a Commission to Investigate the Conditions of Backward Classes

Exact text — Constitution of India

(1) The President may by order appoint a Commission consisting of such persons as he thinks fit to investigate the conditions of socially and educationally backward classes within the territory of India and the difficulties under which they labour and to make recommendations as to the steps that should be taken by the Union or any State to remove such difficulties and to improve their condition...

In Plain English

What this Article actually means

This Article empowers the President to appoint a Commission specifically to investigate backward classes' social and educational conditions and recommend remedial steps — this is the constitutional basis under which the (Second) Backward Classes Commission, popularly known as the Mandal Commission, was appointed in 1979, whose recommendations later led to landmark OBC reservation policy in 1990.

Why This Matters To You

How it shows up in everyday life

This Article is the direct origin point of India's OBC reservation policy — the Mandal Commission's 1980 report, commissioned under this Article's authority, ultimately led to the 27% OBC reservation in central government jobs implemented in 1990 and upheld (with modifications) by the Supreme Court in Indra Sawhney (1992).

Landmark Cases

How courts have interpreted this Article

Indra Sawhney v. Union of IndiaAIR 1993 SC 477 — Upheld the OBC reservation policy that flowed from the Mandal Commission report commissioned under this Article, while capping total reservation and excluding the 'creamy layer'. Verify this case

Read alongside this one

Art. 342a — Socially and Educationally Backward Classes Art. 338b — National Commission for Backward Classes

Frequently Asked

Quick answers about Article 340

What was the Mandal Commission?

A Commission appointed under this Article in 1979, whose 1980 report recommending 27% reservation for Other Backward Classes in central government jobs and education became one of the most consequential and debated policy documents in modern Indian history.

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The text above reproduces Article 340 of the Constitution of India as amended to date, for general educational reference. It is public-domain legislative text, but we recommend cross-checking the authoritative version at legislative.gov.in or india.gov.in before relying on it for a legal matter. The explanation, examples and FAQs are general information, not legal advice — consult a qualified advocate for guidance on your specific situation.