Bare Act
The Prevention of Blackmarketing Act, 1980
General198017 sections
This law empowers central and state authorities across India to order the preventive detention of individuals involved in black marketing, hoarding, or unethical trading practices that disrupt the supply of essential goods to the public. It applies to traders, distributors, and any individuals whose actions threaten the supply of critical commodities. Authorities can detain suspects for up to six months, subject to oversight by an Advisory Board composed of High Court judges to safeguard against misuse. This law matters because it preserves public welfare by preventing artificial scarcity, curbing price gouging, and ensuring fair access to essential items.
- 1. Short title, extent and commencement.
- 2. Definitions.
- 3. Power to make orders detaining certain persons.
- 4. Execution of detention orders.
- 5. Power to regulate place and conditions of detention.
- 6. Detention orders not to be invalid or inoperative on certain grounds.
- 7. Powers in relation to absconding persons.
- 8. Grounds of order of detention to be disclosed to person affected by the order.
- 9. Constitution of Advisory Boards.
- 10. Reference to Advisory Boards.
- 11. Procedure of Advisory Boards.
- 12. Action upon the report of Advisory Board.
- 13. Maximum period of detention.
- 14. Revocation of detention orders.
- 15. Temporary release of persons detained.
- 16. Protection of action taken in good faith.
- 17. Repeal and saving.
PDF: pending for this language.