Part 14 of Indian Constitution: Public Services & UPSC/SPSC (Articles 308-323)

Part 14 of Indian Constitution, spanning Articles 308 to 323, plays a crucial role in ensuring the effective functioning of the public service system in India. This part outlines the legal framework governing recruitment, tenure, conditions of service and disciplinary procedures for individuals employed in both the Union and State services. Explore other Constitutional Articles.

Part 14 of Indian Constitution Overview

Part 14 of Indian Constitution covers Article 308 to Article 323. It provides the framework for regulating public services in India including employment, conditions of service and disciplinary actions for individuals in Union and State services. It establishes the foundation for a merit-based, transparent, and efficient public service system through the provisions of All-India Services and the creation of Public Service Commissions.

Download 5 key takeaways on Part 14 of Indian Constitution PDF

Part 14 of Indian Constitution provides a comprehensive framework for the regulation of public services in India ensuring fairness, transparency and efficiency in the functioning of government services. It is divided into two chapters, each focusing on different aspects of public service administration, from the recruitment and tenure of civil servants to the establishment and operation of Public Service Commissions. Below is the detailed chapter-wise breakdown:

• Chapter I: Article 308 to Article 314 defines terms and laid down regulations for recruitment, tenure, dismissal and conditions for All-India Services.
• Chapter II: Articles 315 to Article 323 establishes the Public Service Commissions detailing their composition, powers, duties, and financial independence to ensure transparent and merit-based recruitment in public services.

Part 14 of Indian Constitution Scheme

The scheme of Part 14 of Indian Constitution outlines the regulations governing public services, including the structure, recruitment, tenure, and conditions of service for civil servants, as well as the establishment and functioning of Public Service Commissions: Following is a brief overview of the components in Part 14 of the Constitution:

Chapter	Articles	Description
Chapter I -	Article 308	Interpretation
	Article 309	Recruitment and conditions of service of persons serving the Union or a State
	Article 310	Tenure of office of persons serving the Union or a State
	Article 311	Dismissal, removal or reduction in rank of persons employed in civil capacities under the Union or a State
	Article 312	All-India services
	Article 312A	Power of Parliament to vary or revoke conditions of service of officers of certain services
	Article 313	Transitional provisions
	Article 314	Repealed
Chapter II -	Article 315	Public Service Commissions for the Union and for the States
	Article 316	Appointment and term of office of members
	Article 317	Removal and suspension of a member of a Public Service Commission
	Article 318	Power to make regulations as to conditions of service of members and staff of the Commission
	Article 319	Prohibition as to the holding of offices by members of Commission on ceasing to be such members
	Article 320	Functions of Public Service Commissions
	Article 321	Power to extend functions of Public Service Commissions
	Article 322	Expenses of Public Service Commissions
	Article 323	Reports of Public Service Commissions

The following are notable cases that have shaped the interpretation and application of the provisions under Part 14 of Indian Constitution. The cases address important issues regarding the recruitment process, functioning of Public Service Commissions and procedural safeguards for public servants.

• Union of India v. Ashok Kumar Aggarwal (2013): The Supreme Court clarified that executive orders or office memoranda cannot override statutory recruitment rules framed under Article 309. Such instructions may supplement but not supplant existing rules. 
• Mangala Sridhar v. State of Karnataka (2017): The Karnataka High Court held that the Governor cannot suspend a member of State Public Service Commission under Article 317 of Part 14 of Indian Constitution without following constitutional procedure.