How does the Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 1963 change Article 311?
The Constitution (Fifteenth Amendment) Act, 1963 changed Article 311 by substituting the existing clauses (2) and (3) with new ones. The new clause (2) states that no person can be dismissed or removed from their position in a civil service without an inquiry where they are informed of the charges against them and given a chance to defend themselves. The new clause also provides for the imposition of penalties based on evidence from the inquiry, without giving the person an opportunity to make further representations. The amendment also added a proviso stating that this clause will not apply in certain cases such as conviction on a criminal charge, where it is not reasonably practicable to hold an inquiry, or when the President or Governor deems it necessary for the security of the State. The new clause (3) states that the decision of the authority regarding whether it is reasonably practicable to hold an inquiry will be final.