There IS a shortage of sugar in your District where you are the District Magistrate. The Government has ordered that only a maximum amount of 30 kg sugar is to be released for wedding celebrations. A son of your close friend is getting married and your friend requests you to release at least 50 kg sugar for his son's wedding. He expresses annoyance when you tell him about the Government's restrictions on this matter. He feels that since you are the District Magistrate you can release any amount. You do not want to spoil your friendship with him. In such circumstances, how would you deal with the situation?

The correct answer is C. Here's why:

Option C is the most appropriate because it balances upholding official duty with trying to preserve a personal relationship.

1. It upholds the rules by not releasing extra sugar.
2. It addresses the friend's misunderstanding directly by showing the official government instructions, clarifying that the DM's hands are tied by policy, not personal unwillingness. This transparency helps manage the friend's expectations and annoyance.
3. "Persuading him to accept" shows an effort to maintain the friendship by explaining the situation calmly and rationally, rather than just a blunt refusal.

Let's look at other options: A) Releasing extra sugar would be a clear abuse of power, unethical, illegal, and would violate government orders, especially during a shortage. This is unacceptable for a public servant. B) While refusing and strictly following rules is correct in principle, simply doing so without explanation (as implied by "strictly follow the rules") might further strain the friendship. Option C adds the crucial element of explanation and persuasion. D) Advising him to apply to another authority and stating you don't interfere is evasive and potentially misleading. As District Magistrate, you are likely the primary authority or supervisor for such matters, and deflecting responsibility isn't ideal. It also doesn't address the friend's core belief that you can help but won't.