Correct Option (d)
All four statements are correct.
Explanation
- Statement 1 is correct. The Court of District and Sessions Judge functions as the highest criminal court in a district when presiding over criminal matters (as Sessions Court). It is competent to award any sentence authorized by law, including capital punishment.
- Statement 2 is correct. As per Article 233 of the Constitution of India, the appointment of District Judges in any State is made by the Governor of the State in consultation with the High Court exercising jurisdiction in relation to such State.
- Statement 3 is correct. Article 233(2) of the Constitution specifies the eligibility criteria for appointment as a District Judge. A person not already in the service of the Union or of the State must have been an advocate or a pleader for not less than seven years to be eligible for such an appointment.
- Statement 4 is correct. According to Section 366 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), when a Court of Session passes a sentence of death, the proceedings must be submitted to the High Court, and the sentence cannot be executed unless it is confirmed by the High Court.
Incorrect Options
Options (a), (b), and (c) are incorrect because they do not include all the factually correct statements. Since all four statements are accurate, option (d) is the only correct choice.