🟦 ARTICLE 18 – ABOLITION OF TITLES
🧾 What is Article 18?
👉 Article 18 of the Indian Constitution abolishes titles to ensure equality and avoid the creation of a class-based society like under British rule.
📜 Constitutional Provisions (Clauses 1 to 4)
✅ Clause (1):
The State shall not confer any title (except military or academic distinctions).
✅ Meaning:
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Government cannot give titles like "Sir", "Raja", "Nawab", etc.
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But can give degrees like "Dr.", "Professor", or military ranks like "General", "Colonel".
✅ Clause (2):
No citizen of India shall accept any title from any foreign state.
✅ Example:
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An Indian cannot accept titles like “Sir” or “Duke” from the UK.
✅ Clause (3):
A non-citizen holding an office of profit/trust under the Indian State cannot accept foreign titles without the President’s consent.
✅ Purpose:
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To ensure loyalty and avoid foreign influence.
✅ Clause (4):
No person holding any office under the State can accept gifts, salary, or job from any foreign country without the President’s permission.
✅ Goal:
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Prevent conflict of interest and breach of trust.
🎯 Main Purpose of Article 18:
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To ensure equality among citizens.
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To eliminate aristocracy and noble classes created by colonial rulers.
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To prevent foreign influence in India’s governance.
🏛 Key Takeaways for UPSC
| 🔹 Point | 🔍 Explanation |
|---|---|
| ✔️ Article 18 applies to | Both citizens and non-citizens |
| ❌ Prohibits | Only hereditary and aristocratic titles |
| ✅ Allows | Military & academic titles |
| 🎖 National Awards | Allowed but cannot be used as titles (like prefix/suffix to name) |
| ⚖️ Case Law | Balaji Raghavan v. Union of India (1996) – upheld national awards |
⚖️ Case Law: Balaji Raghavan v. Union of India (1996)
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Issue: Petition challenged the validity of Bharat Ratna & Padma awards under Article 18.
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Supreme Court held:
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National Awards do not violate Article 18.
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These are not "titles" in the aristocratic sense.
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But recipients cannot use them as prefixes or suffixes (e.g., "Padma Shri Amitabh Bachchan").
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If misused, the award can be taken back (forfeited).
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✅ Exceptions Under Article 18
| ✅ Allowed | ❌ Not Allowed |
|---|---|
| Academic titles – Dr., Prof. | “Sir”, “Raja”, “Khan Bahadur” |
| Military ranks – Major, General | Any hereditary or royal title |
| Awards like Bharat Ratna | Using awards as a part of one’s name |
📌 Summary Table for UPSC
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Article | 18 |
| Part of | Right to Equality |
| Purpose | Abolish titles, ensure equality |
| Exception | Academic & military distinctions |
| Key Case | Balaji Raghavan v. UOI (1996) |
| Allowed Awards | Bharat Ratna, Padma awards (but not as name suffix/prefix) |
| Forfeiture | Allowed if misused |
| Applies to | Citizens and non-citizens (in public office) |