The Punjab Military Transport Act, 1916

The Punjab Military Transport Act, 1916

The Punjab Military Transport Act, 1916, is a colonial-era statute that empowers the government to requisition—or "impress"—private property, specifically animals, vehicles, and boats, for military use during times of mobilization or grave emergency. It establishes a structured process for the government to identify, inspect, and seize these assets, while simultaneously creating a committee to assess their market value for compensation purposes. The Act is highly restrictive, barring civil courts from interfering in the government's exercise of these powers and prohibiting legal practitioners from appearing in proceedings. It serves as a historical example of state authority over private resources during wartime.

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