The correct option is (d).
Explanation
The question pertains to the nature and regulations surrounding India's highest civilian awards, Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards, specifically in relation to constitutional provisions and their operational history.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1: Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are titles under the Article 18(1) of the Constitution of India.
- Incorrect. Article 18(1) of the Constitution abolishes titles and prohibits the State from conferring titles, except for military or academic distinctions. The Supreme Court, in the Balaji Raghavan v. Union of India case (1995), clarified that Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are not "titles" within the meaning of Article 18(1) but are awards for exceptional service and merit. They cannot be used as prefixes or suffixes to the recipient's name.
- Statement 2: Padma Awards, which were instituted in the year 1954, were suspended only once.
- Incorrect. The Padma Awards were instituted in 1954. They have been suspended twice: first from July 1977 to January 1980, and again from August 1992 to December 1995.
- Statement 3: The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of five in a particular year.
- Incorrect. The number of Bharat Ratna Awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular year. There have been instances where this limit was adhered to, for example, in 1999, four individuals were awarded, but this was an exception. The general guideline is a maximum of three.
Key Takeaway
Bharat Ratna and Padma Awards are not considered titles under Article 18(1), have specific rules regarding their suspension and the maximum number of awards conferred annually.