Q 1.

With reference to political parties, democratic participation and constitutional governance, consider the following statements:

1. The right to form political associations is protected under Article 19(1)(c) of the Indian Constitution.
2. The Election Commission of India has the authority to register political parties under Section 29A of the Representation of the People Act, 1951.
3. The Constitution of India expressly empowers the Election Commission to permanently ban a political party solely on the grounds of its ideology.
4. In a parliamentary democracy, the right to political participation and electoral competition operates within the framework of constitutional and electoral laws.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?