Official Secret Act derives roots from which of the following judicial systems?
A.
(A) United States System
B.
(B) United Kingdom System
C.
(C) Both (A) & (B)
D.
(D) None of these
Correct answer is:
B. (B) United Kingdom System
Explanation:
The correct answer is (B) United Kingdom System because the Official Secrets Act is a colonial-era legal framework that originated directly from the British parliamentary and judicial system.
- (B) United Kingdom System: This is the correct choice. The law traces its history back to the British Official Secrets Act of 1889 and 1911, which were introduced by the British government to protect state secrets, prevent espionage, and penalize unauthorized disclosures across the empire. The updated 1923 version was later inherited by South Asian nations like Pakistan and India post-independence.
- Incorrect Options:
- (A) United States System: This is incorrect because the United States handles state secrets, espionage, and classified information through its own independent legal frameworks, such as the Espionage Act of 1917, rather than an Official Secrets Act framework.
- (C) Both (A) & (B): This is incorrect because the specific origins and statutory language of the Official Secrets Act belong entirely to the British legal structure, with no historical inputs from American jurisprudence.
- (D) None of these: This is incorrect since option B represents the exact historical and judicial root of the law.