The Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act, 1990
The Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act, 1990
The Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act, 1990, empowers military and Union forces operating in Jammu, Kashmir, and Ladakh to maintain public order within designated "disturbed areas". It regulates specific security operations by allowing armed personnel to use lethal force against law-breakers, arrest suspects without warrants, and search private premises or vehicles without permission. This matters because it gives these forces additional authority and tools to counter terrorism and secessionist movements. Most significantly, it provides legal protection, requiring Central Government approval before any personnel can be prosecuted for their official actions.
- 1. Short title, extent and commencement.
- 2. Definitions.
- 3. Power to declare areas to be disturbed areas.
- 4. Special powers of the armed forces.
- 5. Power of search to include powers to break open locks, etc.
- 6. Arrested persons and seized property to be made over to the police.
- 7. Protection of persons acting in good faith under this Act.
- 8. Repeal and saving.
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