Important Provisions of Article 18 of the Indian Constitution
Article 18 has several features, including the dissolution of all historically utilized intrinsic titles and the exclusion of state-granted military and academic titles.
- Article 18’s first clause forbids the state from granting any titles to anybody, whether they are citizens or not, however, it makes an exception for academic or military titles. This provision gives states protection when academic honors like the Bharat Ratna, Padma Bhushan, or Padma Vibhushan are bestowed upon individuals in recognition of their great achievements.
- Article 18’s second clause forbids Indian citizens from accepting any titles bestowed upon them by foreign states.
- Article 18’s third clause forbids anyone who is not an Indian citizen but is employed in the country and holds a position of profit for the state—that is, is employed in a department or organization of the Central or State Government—from accepting a title from a foreign state or nation without the president’s permission.
- Article 18’s fourth clause forbids any citizen or noncitizen who holds a position of profit under the federal or state governments from taking a gift or a position of any sort from a foreign government. Both the 1951 Representation of Peoples Act and the Indian Constitution do not define office or profit. Legal interpretation has led to the definition’s development. It refers to a position that offers the holder of the job some sort of financial benefit or advantage. The addition of clauses (3) and (4) is intended to guarantee that a noncitizen or foreigner maintains his or her allegiance to the state and does not violate the confidence that has been placed in them.
Article 18 of the Indian Constitution
Article 18 of the Indian Constitution talks about the abolition of titles, which comes under the right to equality. No citizen of India shall accept any title from any foreign State. It is one of the most important articles of the constitution of India. Article 18 comes under Part III of our Constitution i.e. Fundamental Rights.
Our Constitution divides fundamental rights into six parts i.e., the Right to Equality, the Right to freedom, the Right against exploitation, the Right to freedom of Religion, Cultural and Educational Rights, and the Right to Constitutional Remedies.
Table of Content
- What is Article 18 of the Indian Constitution?
- Meaning of Titles
- What is Abolition of Titles?
- Objective and Features of Article 18 of the Indian Constitution
- Important Provisions of Article 18 of the Indian Constitution
- Need for Article 18 in Indian Constitution
- Punishment under Article 18 of the Indian Constitution
- Landmark Cases