Vidhi Codex

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958

Defence19587 sections

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, 1958, allows the government to declare Northeast Indian states, including Assam and Nagaland, as “disturbed areas” where military aid is needed to maintain order. It grants special powers to armed forces personnel, such as military and air force members, allowing them to arrest without warrants, search properties, and even use lethal force against individuals violating laws on assembly or weapons. This act is crucial because it provides legal immunity to personnel, protecting them from prosecution without Central Government sanction, while mandating that arrested individuals be delivered to the police quickly.

Start reading →Read full ActSections
  1. 1. Short title and extent.
  2. 2. Definitions.
  3. 3. Power to declare areas to be disturbed areas.
  4. 4. Special powers of the armed forces.
  5. 5. Arrested persons to be made over to the police.
  6. 6. Protection to persons acting under Act.
  7. 7. Repealed.

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