Vidhi Codex

The Punjab Disturbed Areas Act, 1983

The Punjab Disturbed Areas Act, 1983

General19837 sections

The Punjab Disturbed Areas Act, 1983, empowers the state government to declare regions as disturbed areas to suppress disorder and maintain public order. Applying to the entire state of Punjab, it regulates security activities in these specified zones. Specifically, the law grants Magistrates and senior police officers the broad authority to use force, including lethal force, against individuals violating laws against large assemblies or the carrying of weapons or ammunition. Additionally, officers may destroy arms dumps and hideouts used by armed groups or training camps. Crucially, the Act provides legal immunity to officials, preventing any lawsuits or prosecutions without prior Central Government approval.

Start reading →Read full ActSections
  1. 1. Short title, extent and commencement.
  2. 2. Definition.
  3. 3. Powers to declare areas to be disturbed areas.
  4. 4. Power to fire upon persons contravening certain orders.
  5. 5. Powers to destroy arms dump, fortified positions, etc.
  6. 6. Protection of persons acting under sections 4 and 5.
  7. 7. Repeal and saving.

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