Section 3 and 4 of Official Secrets Act, 1923 deal with
- Spying
- Wrong communication
- Authorization
- Use of material
Correct Ans: (A)
Explanation:
Sections 3 and 4 of the Official Secrets Act, 1923 are some of the most critical parts of this colonial-era law, still in use in India today. These sections specifically target acts of espionage, which threaten national security.
Section 3 defines and punishes individuals who, for any purpose prejudicial to the safety or interests of the State, approach or communicate with any part of the defense establishment. It makes it illegal to obtain, collect, record, or publish any information that could directly or indirectly aid an enemy. In short, this section criminalizes spying and unauthorized access to sensitive information related to defense or intelligence.
Section 4 goes a step further. It applies these prohibitions to citizens even outside India and includes attempts to communicate sensitive information to foreign agents. Both sections view such acts as serious threats to national integrity and carry heavy penalties, including imprisonment.
These provisions are still used today, especially in cases involving leaked defense documents or suspicious communications with foreign entities. However, the law has been criticized for being broad and sometimes misused to suppress journalists or whistleblowers.
Nevertheless, the original and intended focus of Sections 3 and 4 remains espionage. Thus, option A is the most accurate answer.
