What is Article 310 of Indian constitution
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:
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Civil servants do not have a guaranteed tenure.
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They serve at the will (pleasure) of the authority that appointed them:
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For Union services → at the pleasure of the President
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For State services → at the pleasure of the Governor
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⚖️ 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:
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Article 310 gives flexibility to the government to manage its employees.
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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) |
🧠 Example Flow:
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Article 308 → Explains who the provisions apply to
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Article 309 → Creates rules/laws for hiring & service conditions
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Article 310 → States that employees serve "at the pleasure" of govt., but
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Article 311 (next) → Adds protection against arbitrary dismissal
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