Question

Which of the statements regarding abolition of titles under article 18 is/are correct?

1. No title, not being a military or academic distinction, shall be conferred by the state
2. No citizen of India shall accept any title from any foreign state
3. No person who is not a citizen of India shall, while he holds any office of profit or trust under the state, accept without consent of the President any title from any foreign state
4. No person holding any office of profit or trust under the state shall, without the consent of the President, accept, any present, emoluments or office of any kind from or under foreign state

• A. 1, 2
• B. All of these
• C. 3 only
• D. 2, 3

Answer 1

Answer:

B. All of these

• Article 18 of the Indian Constitution deals with the abolition of titles.

• It's a crucial part of the Right to Equality (Articles 14-18) and aims to establish social equality by preventing the state from conferring any titles, except for military and academic distinctions.

• It also restricts Indian citizens from accepting titles from foreign states.

Clauses of Article 18:

• Clause (1): Prohibits the State from conferring any title, except for military or academic distinctions. This means the government cannot create titles of nobility or any other such distinctions that imply social hierarchy. However, the State can confer awards like the Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri in recognition of exceptional service in various fields. The Supreme Court has clarified that these national awards are not "titles" within the meaning of Article 18. Similarly, military ranks (like General, Admiral) and academic degrees (like Doctor, Professor) are permitted.

• Clause (2): Restricts Indian citizens from accepting any title from any foreign state. This provision aims to ensure the loyalty of citizens to the Republic of India and prevent any undue influence from foreign powers.

• Clause (3): States that a non-citizen holding any office of profit or trust under the State cannot accept any title from any foreign state without the consent of the President of India. This ensures that individuals working for the Indian government, even if they are not citizens, maintain their allegiance to India.  

• Clause (4): Prohibits any person holding any office of profit or trust under the State from accepting any present, emolument, or office of any kind from or under any foreign state without the President's consent. This clause is broader than just titles and aims to prevent any potential compromise of their official duties due to foreign influence.