A negative declaration is a judicial pronouncement under Section 34 of the Specific Relief Act, 1963, where the court declares that the plaintiff is not bound by a certain legal relationship or obligation claimed by the defendant. Its significance lies in protecting the plaintiff from false or disputed claims that could affect their legal status or property rights.
The other options are incorrect because:
(b) A negative declaration does not create new rights; it merely clarifies existing ones.
(c) It has definite legal effect as a binding declaration between the parties.
(d) It may prevent similar disputes but does not automatically settle all future conflicts.