The Civil Defence Act, 1968
The Civil Defence Act, 1968
The Civil Defence Act, 1968, regulates civilian protective measures to safeguard lives, property, and places across India against hostile attacks and natural disasters. Applying to all citizens, local authorities, and the Civil Defence Corps, it excludes active military personnel. The Act grants the government authority to restrict public movement, control utilities, protect communications, and manage evacuations during emergencies. It matters because it establishes a vital legal framework for civilian preparation and national disaster response. By enabling coordinated citizen action and protection of critical infrastructure, it ensures public safety while striving to minimize disruption to ordinary daily life during domestic crises.
Chapter I PRELIMINARY →
Chapter II POWER OF CENTRAL GOVERNMENT TO MAKE RULES FOR CIVIL DEFENCE →
Chapter III CIVIL DEFENCE CORPS →
Chapter IV MISCELLANEOUS →
- 10Provisions of the Personal Injuries (Emergency Provisions) Act to apply to injuries sustained by the members of the Corps
- 11Penalties
- 11AAdjudication of penalties
- 12Effect of Act and rules, etc., inconsistent with other enactments.
- 13Ordinary avocations of life to be interfered with as little as possible.
- 14Savings as to orders.
- 15Act not to apply to measures taken for the protection of the Armed Forces.
- 16Limitation of prosecutions.
- 16APower of the Central Government to delegate.
- 16BEffect of order made by the Central Government, etc.
- 17Power to delegate.
- 18Protection of action taken in good faith.
- 19Authorised persons and members of the Corps to be public servants.
- 19APower of Central Government to make rules.
- 20Rules and regulations to be laid before Parliament.
PDF: pending for this language.