Article 18: Abolition of Titles

(1) No title, not being a military or academic distinction, shall be conferred by the State.

(2) No citizen of India shall accept any title from any foreign State.

(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) 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.

Explanation

Article 18 reflects India’s commitment to equality by abolishing all forms of titles, except military and academic distinctions. It prevents the State from creating a hierarchy of titles and prohibits citizens from accepting titles from foreign states, ensuring loyalty to the nation.

Key Aspects of Article 18

• Prohibition on Titles: No title other than military or academic distinctions can be conferred by the State, promoting a merit-based society.
• Restriction on Foreign Titles: Indian citizens cannot accept titles from foreign states, preserving national integrity.
• Presidential Consent for Non-Citizens: Non-citizens holding office must seek presidential consent to accept foreign titles.
• Acceptance of Foreign Gifts: Public officials require presidential approval to accept foreign emoluments or positions, safeguarding national interests.

Real-Life Applications

An example is Mother Teresa, who, despite her international accolades, ensured her work remained rooted in service without accepting titles that conflicted with Indian laws. This underscores the principle of equality emphasized in Article 18.