Article 18 of CoI : Article 18: Abolition of titles.

Explanation using Example

Example 1:

Scenario: Dr. Ramesh, a renowned scientist in India, is offered the title of "Sir" by the British government for his contributions to science.

Application of Article 18:

• According to Article 18(2), Dr. Ramesh, being an Indian citizen, cannot accept the title "Sir" from the British government.
• If Dr. Ramesh wishes to accept the title, he must first renounce his Indian citizenship.

Example 2:

Scenario: Ms. Priya, an Indian diplomat working in the Indian Embassy in France, is offered the title of "Chevalier" by the French government for her diplomatic services.

Application of Article 18:

• As per Article 18(4), Ms. Priya, holding an office of profit under the Indian State, cannot accept the title "Chevalier" from the French government without the consent of the President of India.
• Ms. Priya must seek and obtain the President's consent before accepting the title.

Example 3:

Scenario: Mr. Arjun, an Indian citizen, is awarded an honorary doctorate by a prestigious university in the United States.

Application of Article 18:

• Since an honorary doctorate is considered an academic distinction, it is exempt under Article 18(1).
• Mr. Arjun can accept the honorary doctorate without any legal issues.

Example 4:

Scenario: Mr. John, a British citizen working as an advisor to the Indian government, is offered the title of "Lord" by the British government.

Application of Article 18:

• According to Article 18(3), Mr. John, while holding an office of profit or trust under the Indian State, cannot accept the title "Lord" from the British government without the consent of the President of India.
• Mr. John must seek and obtain the President's consent before accepting the title.

Example 5:

Scenario: Mr. Raj, an Indian citizen and a retired army officer, is offered the title of "General" by a foreign country in recognition of his military service.

Application of Article 18:

• Since the title "General" is a military distinction, it is exempt under Article 18(1).
• Mr. Raj can accept the title without any legal issues.