Which Article of the Constitution prohibits the State from conferring any title, except for a military or academic distinction?
AArticle 18 — abolition of titles other than military or academic distinctions
BArticle 15 — prohibition of discrimination on grounds of religion, race, etc.
CArticle 17 — abolition of untouchability and its practice in any form
DArticle 14 — equality before law and equal protection of laws
Answer & Solution
Correct answer: A. Article 18 — abolition of titles other than military or academic distinctions
1. Article 18(1) provides: 'No title, not being a military or academic distinction, shall be conferred by the State.'
2. Clauses (2)-(4) restrict citizens of India from accepting titles from foreign States and bind those holding offices of profit.
3. The Supreme Court in Balaji Raghavan v. Union of India, (1996) 1 SCC 361 upheld Bharat Ratna and Padma awards as 'national awards' and not titles within Article 18.
4. Hence the correct answer is Article 18.
_Source: Constitution of India (Bare Act, updated to 105th Amendment Act 2021), Govt. of India Legislative Dept., Article 18(1)_
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