The Armed Forces (Punjab and Chandigarh) Special Powers Act, 1983
The Armed Forces (Punjab and Chandigarh) Special Powers Act, 1983
The 1983 Act empowers India’s military to maintain public order in "disturbed areas" specifically within Punjab and Chandigarh. It applies to armed forces personnel, granting them extraordinary authority to assist civil power when local conditions are deemed dangerous. Under this law, soldiers can use force—even lethal—against lawbreakers, destroy militant hideouts, and conduct arrests or searches without warrants. This matters because it significantly expands military jurisdiction over civilians, allowing personnel to break locks, stop vehicles, or seize property. Crucially, the Act provides legal immunity, shielding personnel from prosecution without Central Government approval. It also requires handing arrested persons over to police quickly.
- 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 person 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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