Question
Q 96. Consider the following statements in respect of Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards:
1. Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under the Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.
2. Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.
3. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.
Which of the above statements are not correct?
a) 1 and 2 only
b) 2 and 3 only
c) 1 and 3 only
d) 1, 2 and 3
Answer: C
Detailed Explanation
Article 18(1) of the Indian Constitution states:
“No title, not being a military or academic distinction, shall be conferred by the State.”
However, the Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are not conferred as titles under Article 18(1). Instead, they are civilian honors recognizing exceptional service to the nation in various fields such as arts, literature, sports, and public service.
Additionally, the Supreme Court of India clarified that these awards do not violate Article 18 because they are not titles; the recipients cannot use these awards as prefixes or suffixes to their names. Hence, Statement 1 is incorrect.
Padma Awards were indeed instituted in 1954.However, these awards have been suspended three times:
Between 1977–1980 (during Morarji Desai’s government, which questioned the relevance of such awards).
Between 1993–1997 (due to legal and procedural challenges).
Once again briefly during 1978 (as part of a policy review under the Janata government). Hence, Statement 2 is incorrect.
As per the rules governing the Bharat Ratna, the number of recipients is restricted to a maximum of three per year, not five. Hence, Statement 3 is incorrect
