What is Article 310 of Indian constitution

www.hinsoli.com July 09, 2025

Article 310 of the Indian Constitution

Title: Tenure of office of persons serving the Union or a State

📘 Explanation:

Article 310 establishes the doctrine of “pleasure” in the Indian Constitution.

It states that:

All members of the civil services of the Union or a State hold office during the pleasure of the President or the Governor respectively.

🔍 Key Meaning:

Civil servants do not have a guaranteed tenure.
They serve at the will (pleasure) of the authority that appointed them:
- For Union services → at the pleasure of the President
- For State services → at the pleasure of the Governor

⚖️ Exceptions to the Doctrine of Pleasure:

Article 311 protects civil servants against arbitrary dismissal.
That means:
Even though Article 310 gives “pleasure-based service,” procedural safeguards under Article 311 must still be followed.

📊 Summary Table: Article 310

Feature	Details
Article	310
Doctrine	"Tenure at the pleasure of the President/Governor"
Applies To	Civil services of the Union and States
Union Employees	Hold office at the pleasure of the President
State Employees	Hold office at the pleasure of the Governor
Protection Clause?	Yes, under Article 311 (mandatory procedure before dismissal/removal)

🧠 Examples:

Scenario	Outcome
An IAS officer is removed without any reason or inquiry	❌ Violates Article 311 – rules must be followed
A temporary appointment terminated as per rules	✅ Allowed under Article 310 (no fixed tenure)
Army officer’s service ended during war due to military necessity	✅ Article 310 applies fully to Armed Forces

🚫 Special Cases Where Article 310 Fully Applies (No Article 311 Protection):

Service Type	Remarks
Armed Forces	Full application of “pleasure doctrine”
Intelligence/Bureaucracy services	Like RAW, IB – exempt from Article 311
All India Services (e.g. IAS)	Partially protected – Article 311 applies

✅ Conclusion:

Article 310 gives flexibility to the government to manage its employees.
However, this power is not absolute due to safeguards under Article 311.

Here is a clear and exam-focused 📊 Comparison Chart of Articles 308 to 310 of the Indian Constitution — covering services under the Union and States:

🧾 Chart: Articles 308 to 310 – Government Services Framework

Article	Title	Main Focus	Who It Applies To	Key Provisions
308	Interpretation	Defines the scope of Part XIV of the Constitution	All States (originally excluded J&K)	Sets the context for Articles 309 to 323
309	Recruitment and conditions of service	Empowers Parliament/State Legislature to make laws for public servants	Central & State Government employees	Until law is made, President/Governor can frame rules
310	Tenure of office ("Pleasure Doctrine")	Civil servants hold office at the pleasure of President/Governor	Central & State civil servants	Subject to Article 311 protections (except Armed Forces, Intelligence Services, etc.)

🔍 Quick Snapshot

Feature	Article 308	Article 309	Article 310
Part of Constitution	XIV – Services	XIV – Services	XIV – Services
Purpose	Defines applicability	Rule-making for recruitment & service	Doctrine of Pleasure for job tenure
Authority Involved	—	Parliament, State Legislature, Exec.	President, Governor
Scope	Applies to Part XIV	All govt. service matters	All civil service tenures
Limitation	None	Subject to legislation/rules	Subject to Article 311 (procedural safeguards)