SYLLABUS

GS-2: Structure, Organization and Functioning of the Executive and the Judiciary—Ministries and Departments of the Government

Context: The Bombay High Court in “Dr. Trimbak V. Dapkekar versus Padmashree Dr. Sharad M Hardikar & Ors” Case has reiterated that civilian awards such as the Padma Shri, Padma Bhushan, Padma Vibhushan and the Bharat Ratna cannot be used as prefixes or suffixes to the names of awardees, while taking exception to the manner in which a party was described in a case title.

Key Highlights of the Ruling

• Legally impermissible: Referring to the Apex Court ruling in Balaji Raghavan/SP Anand v. Union of India, 1995 that had held -  

• The National Awards do not amount to “titles” within the meaning of Article 18(1) and they should not be used as suffixes or prefixes. 
• If this is done, the defaulter should forfeit the National Award conferred on him or her by following the procedure laid down in Regulation 10 of each of the four notifications creating these National Awards.

• Strict Compliance: The high court directed - 

• the parties to ensure compliance with the law declared by the Supreme Court in the conduct of proceedings.
• the courts to ensure that this is complied with in terms of Article 141 of the Constitution of India.

About National Awards

National Awards are civilian honours conferred by the President of India to recognise exceptional service or achievement in various fields such as public service, arts, science, literature, sports, medicine and social work.

• Bharat Ratna: 

• Bharat Ratna is the highest civilian award of India, instituted in 1954, and is given for exceptional service or performance of the highest order in any field.
• Recommendations for the award are made by the Prime Minister to the President, with no formal nomination process; the Prime Minister may consult any source, while the Ministry of Home Affairs acts as the nodal ministry.
• The award carries no monetary grant; recipients are given a Sanad (certificate) signed by the President and a medallion.

• Padma Awards 

• Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, is announced every year on the occasion of Republic Day except for brief interruption(s) during the years 1978 and 1979 and 1993 to 1997.
• The award is given in three categories, namely,

              Padma Vibhushan for exceptional and distinguished service;

              Padma Bhushan for distinguished service of a high order; and

              Padma Shri for distinguished service.

Sources:
Padma Awards