Correct option is B
The General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA) and the Security Council of the United Nations are authorized to request advisory opinions from the International Court of Justice (ICJ) on any legal question. This is established under Article 96 of the UN Charter. The advisory opinions provided by the ICJ are not binding, but they carry significant weight and influence in international law.
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Advisory Opinions by the International Court of Justice (ICJ):
Article 96 of the UN Charter: Article 96(1) authorizes the UN General Assembly and the Security Council to request advisory opinions from the ICJ on any legal question. Article 96(2) further allows other UN organs and specialized agencies, if authorized by the General Assembly, to request advisory opinions on legal questions arising within the scope of their activities.
Purpose and Influence: Advisory opinions are intended to provide legal guidance on issues of international importance. While these opinions are not legally binding, they are highly respected and often guide international law and diplomacy.
Additional Information
(a) Any member of the United Nations: Individual UN member states do not have the authority to directly request an advisory opinion from the ICJ. This power is reserved for the General Assembly, Security Council, and other UN organs and agencies as authorized by the General Assembly.
(c) The highest Court of Justice of any Nation: National courts do not have the authority to request advisory opinions from the ICJ. The ICJ's jurisdiction for advisory opinions is limited to international bodies as specified in the UN Charter.
(d) Any permanent member of the Security Council: While permanent members of the Security Council can influence decisions within the Council, they cannot independently request advisory opinions from the ICJ. The request must come from the Security Council as a whole or the General Assembly.
