Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA),1958

Tags: National News

• Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA),1958

Why in news?

• The Union Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) on Thursday (November 14, 2024) reimposed the  Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA),declaring six police station limits in five districts of Manipur as “disturbed areas”,in the wake of the ongoing ethnic violence in the State. 
• The Act was withdrawn from these areas in 2022; instead of Manipur government, the Ministry of Home Affairs issues notification this time.

What is Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)?

• Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA), 1958 is an act of the Parliament of India that grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces to maintain public order in "disturbed areas".

History of the act:

• The Armed Forces Special Powers Ordinance of 1942 was promulgated by the British colonial government on 15 August 1942 to suppress the Quit India Movement .

Power given to the armed forces under the act:

• The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) of 1958 gives the armed forces and Central Armed Police Forces several powers, including:
• Arrest without a warrant.
• Search premises without a warrant.
• Shoot to kill.
• Legal immunity.
• Stop and search vehicles.

The AFSPA is invoked when the territorial integrity of India is at risk due to militancy or insurgency.