Official Answer Key & Detailed Solution
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Correct Answer: Option (D) — 1, 2 and 3
Concept & Option Breakdown
Standard Reference VerifiedStatement 1 is incorrect: In Balaji Raghavan v. Union of India (1995), the Supreme Court ruled that National Awards such as the Bharat Ratna and Padma awards are mere decorations/honours and do not constitute 'titles' prohibited under Article 18(1).
Statement 2 is incorrect: Padma Awards were suspended more than once—first in 1977 (under the Morarji Desai government until 1980) and again between 1992 and 1997 due to legal challenges.
Statement 3 is incorrect: As per official regulations, the number of annual Bharat Ratna awards is restricted to a maximum of three in a particular calendar year (though exceptional circumstances in 2024 saw 5 recipients).
Pay close attention to the negative question trigger 'not correct'. Since all three statements are factually wrong, (d) is the right choice.
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