Article 18 of the Indian Constitution: UPSC 2025 Polity Notes

Actual Article

Article 18 of the Indian Constitution deals with the abolition of titles. It is divided into four clauses:

1. Clause (1): No title, not being a military or academic distinction, shall be conferred by the State.
2. Clause (2): No citizen of India shall accept any title from any foreign State.
3. Clause (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 the consent of the President any title from any foreign State.
4. Clause (4): No person holding any office of profit or trust under the State shall, without the consent of the President, accept any present, emolument, or office of any kind from or under any foreign State.

UPSC Notes for Article 18

• Objective: To uphold the principle of equality among citizens and prevent the creation of an aristocratic class in India.
• Key Provisions:
• Prohibition of titles by the State, except for military or academic distinctions.
• Prohibition for Indian citizens to accept titles from foreign States.
• Restrictions on non-citizens holding office under the State from accepting titles from foreign States without presidential consent.
• Restrictions on government officials from accepting presents, emoluments, or offices from foreign States without presidential consent.
• Significance: Reinforces the democratic ethos by ensuring that no hierarchical social order is perpetuated through titles and honors, maintaining equality among all citizens.

Important Cases and Commissions Related to Article 18

• Balaji Raghavan vs. Union of India (1996): The Supreme Court upheld the constitutional validity of national awards like Bharat Ratna, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan, and Padma Shri, stating that these do not violate Article 18 as they are not titles but recognition of merit.
• Bijoe Emmanuel vs. State of Kerala (1986): Although this case primarily dealt with the right to freedom of religion, it also reinforced the idea that the Indian Constitution aims to promote an egalitarian society, aligning with the principles of Article 18.

Important Reports Related to Article 18

• Sarkaria Commission Report (1983): While primarily focused on Centre-State relations, it touched upon issues of integrity and equality in public services, indirectly supporting the ethos of Article 18.
• National Commission to Review the Working of the Constitution (NCRWC) Report (2002): Discussed various aspects of constitutional governance and suggested measures to uphold the principles of equality and democratic values, aligning with the objectives of Article 18.

Previous Year Prelims Questions Related to Article 18

1. Prelims 2018:

• Which Article of the Indian Constitution prohibits the State from conferring any titles, except military and academic distinctions?
  • (a) Article 14
  • (b) Article 15
  • (c) Article 16
  • (d) Article 18
  • Answer: (d) Article 18

1. Prelims 2014:

• Under which Article of the Constitution is the conferment of titles prohibited, except for academic and military distinctions?
  • (a) Article 17
  • (b) Article 18
  • (c) Article 19
  • (d) Article 20
  • Answer: (b) Article 18

Previous Year Mains Questions Related to Article 18

1. Mains 2019:

• Discuss the relevance of Article 18 in promoting the principle of equality in contemporary India. How effective has the prohibition of titles been in maintaining a classless society?

1. Mains 2017:

• Examine the constitutional provisions regarding the abolition of titles in India. How do these provisions reflect the democratic ethos of the Indian Constitution?

Article 18 plays a crucial role in ensuring that India remains a society where equality is paramount and hierarchical distinctions based on titles are eliminated. Understanding its provisions and their implications helps in appreciating the broader constitutional framework aimed at fostering egalitarian principles.