Explanation:

This question pertains to the qualifications required for appointment as a Special Public Prosecutor under the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (CrPC). Public Prosecutors play a vital role in the administration of criminal justice, representing the State in court proceedings. **Analysis of Options:** * **Option (1) A person who has been in practice as an advocate for not less than 15 years:** While a person with 15 years of experience would certainly be qualified, this is not the minimum eligibility criterion specified in the CrPC for a Special Public Prosecutor. The law sets a lower threshold. Therefore, this option is incorrect as it states a higher, not the minimum, requirement. * **Option (2) A person who has been in practice as an advocate for not less than 7 years:** This is the qualification requirement for a regular Public Prosecutor or an Additional Public Prosecutor appointed by the State Government for any district, as per Section 24(7) of the CrPC. However, the question specifically asks about a *Special* Public Prosecutor. Therefore, this option is incorrect for a Special Public Prosecutor. * **Option (3) A person who has been in practice as an advocate for more than 12 years:** This is not a specified minimum or exact requirement under the CrPC for any category of Public Prosecutor. The law uses precise figures for years of practice. Therefore, this option is incorrect. * **Option (4) A person who has been in practice as an advocate for not less than 10 years:** This is the correct answer. Section 24(8) of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973, states: "The Central Government or the State Government may appoint, for the purposes of any case or class of cases, a person who has been in practice as an advocate for not less than ten years as a Special Public Prosecutor." This provision allows for the appointment of experienced advocates to handle specific or complex cases, recognizing that such cases may require a higher level of expertise and experience than what might be typically expected from a regular Public Prosecutor. The 'not less than ten years' criterion ensures that Special Public Prosecutors possess substantial legal experience. In conclusion, the minimum qualification for appointment as a Special Public Prosecutor is that the person must have been in practice as an advocate for not less than ten years, as clearly laid down in Section 24(8) of the CrPC.