Abolition of titles
Also called: Article 18 · Topic: Fundamental Rights and Constitutional Remedies · NCERT: Class 11, Ch 2 "Rights in the Indian Constitution"
Meaning
Article 18 stops the State from giving titles, except military and academic distinctions. Citizens also cannot accept titles from foreign states. The aim is to end the old colonial and princely system of ranks like "Rai Bahadur", so that no citizen is ranked above another. It is part of the right to equality (Articles 14-18).
Example
In the Balaji Raghavan case (1996), the Supreme Court held that the Bharat Ratna and Padma awards are not titles under Article 18. However, winners must not use them as prefixes or suffixes to their names, such as "Padma Shri Dr. X".
Don't confuse with
- Military and academic distinctions: a rank like "General" or a degree like "Dr." is allowed. These are earned honours, not titles of rank in society.
Related concepts
- Prohibition of discrimination
- Special provisions for women and children
- Special provisions for backward classes
- Equality of opportunity in public employment
- Residence requirement in public employment
- C.B. Muthamma case
- Untouchability
- Balaji Raghavan case