The correct option is (c) 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
Article 330 of the Constitution of India provides for the reservation of seats for Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in the Lok Sabha. This reservation is strictly based on the proportion of their population in the respective States or Union Territories.
Statement-wise Analysis:
- Statement 1 is Incorrect: The Constitution does not provide for reservation irrespective of population proportion. Article 330(2) explicitly states that the number of seats reserved in any State or Union Territory for SCs or STs shall bear, as nearly as may be, the same proportion to the total number of seats allotted to that State/UT in the House of the People as the population of the SCs or STs bears to the total population of the State/UT.
- Statement 2 is Correct: The fundamental objective of reserving seats for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes is to ensure political justice and adequate representation for historically disadvantaged sections of society, ensuring their voices are heard in the highest legislative body.
- Statement 3 is Correct: As per the current delimitation (based on the 2001 Census), out of the 543 elected seats in the Lok Sabha, 84 seats are reserved for Scheduled Castes and 47 seats are reserved for Scheduled Tribes. Thus, the number of seats reserved for SCs is higher than that for STs.
Key Takeaway:
Reservation of seats for SCs and STs in the Lok Sabha (Article 330) is determined by the ratio of their population to the total population of the State. Currently, 131 seats (84 SC + 47 ST) are reserved in the Lok Sabha.