With reference to the Official Secrets Act, 1923, consider the following statements: 1. The Act applies only to government officials who handle classified information. 2. Unauthorized possession or disclosure of secret documents, even if unintentional, is punishable under the Act. 3. The Act allows authorities to conduct search and seizure operations in case of suspected violations. Which of the statements given above is/are correct? |ForumIAS

[A] 1 and 2 only

[B] 2 and 3 only

[C] 1 and 3 only

[D] 1, 2 and 3

Answer: B

Notes:

Explanation:

Statement 1 is incorrect – The Act applies not just to government officials but also to civilians and foreign nationals in possession of classified information.
Statement 2 is correct – Under Section 5, even careless or unintentional disclosure of sensitive information is punishable.
Statement 3 is correct – The Act empowers authorities to search premises and seize documents suspected to violate the law.

Source– BT