The correct answer is (a) 40 days.
A Member of Parliament of India or Member of Legislative Assembly of a State cannot be arrested in a civil action within a period of 40 days before or after the session. This is provided in Article 105(3) of the Constitution of India.
The purpose of this provision is to protect the freedom of members of Parliament and State Legislatures from being harassed by frivolous lawsuits. It is also to ensure that they are able to attend Parliament or State Legislature sessions without fear of being arrested.
The 40-day period is calculated from the date of the commencement of the session to the date of its conclusion. If a session is adjourned for more than 40 days, the 40-day period is calculated from the date of the commencement of the session to the date of the next adjournment.
If a member is arrested during the 40-day period, he or she can be released on bail on the condition that he or she will not leave the jurisdiction of the court.
The 40-day period does not apply to arrests in criminal cases.