The Assam Rifles Act, 2006
Administered Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs / Department of Internal Security
Act details
| Short title | The Assam Rifles Act, 2006 |
|---|---|
| Long title | An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to the governance of the Assam Rifles, an Armed Force of the Union for ensuring the security of the borders of India, to carry out Counter Insurgency Operations in the specified areas and to act in aid of civil authorities for the maintenance of the law and order and for matters connected therewith. |
| Act number | 47 of 2006 |
| Act year | 2006 |
| Enactment date | 3 Nov 2006 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Home Affairs / Department of Internal Security |
| Department | Department of Internal Security |
| Jurisdiction | Central (Parliament of India) |
| Sections | 168 |
| Status | Not repealed |
| Last checked on India Code | 29 Oct 2026 |
| Source | India Code, Government of India |
Summary
Summary of the Assam Rifles Act, 2006
Key Provisions
1. Governance and Transitional Provisions
• Transitional Continuity: Matters pending before the commencement of the 2006 Act are to be disposed of under the provisions of the Assam Rifles Act, 1941, as if the 2006 Act had not come into force.
• Validation of Past Actions: Any thing done or action taken before the commencement of the 2006 Act remains valid as if done under the corresponding provisions of the 2006 Act.
2. Offences
• Mutiny (Sec 24)
• Desertion and Aiding Desertion (Sec 25)
• Absence without Leave (Sec 26)
• (Up to Miscellaneous Offences, Sec 50)
• Attempt (Sec 51)
• Abetment (Secs 52-54)
• Civil Offences (Secs 55-56)
3. Punishments
• Death
• Imprisonment (Life or Lesser Term)
• Dismissal from Service
• Fines
• Severe Reprimand/Reprimand
• Minor Punishments (Sec 62): Up to 28 days imprisonment in Force custody, detention, etc.
• Punishment Drill
• Extra Duty
• Forfeiture of Pay and Allowances
Legislative history
Legislative History:
The Assam Rifles Act, 2006
Short Title The Assam Rifles Act, 2006
Act Number / Year Act No. 47 of 2006
Act ID (India Code) 200647
Presidential Assent / Enactment Date November 3, 2006
Enforcement Date February 20, 2009
Nodal Ministry Ministry of Home Affairs
Precedent & Statutory Rationale
1. Obsolescence of the 1941 Framework:
o Prior to 2006, the governance, regulation, and discipline of the Assam Rifles—India's oldest paramilitary/central armed police force—were structured under the colonial-era Assam Rifles Act, 1941.
o Over decades of changing geopolitical environments, internal security challenges, and structural developments in national defense architecture, the 1941 framework became inadequate for modern operational mandates, legal procedures, and administrative requirements.
2. Modernization and Clarification of Force Mandate:
o The 2006 legislation was enacted to comprehensively consolidate and update the law relating to the governance of the Assam Rifles as an Armed Force of the Union. It officially codified its multi-faceted responsibilities, including international border security, counter-insurgency operations in specified areas, and acting in aid of civil authorities for maintaining law and order.
Parliamentary Trajectory & Enactment
• Formulation: Drafted and piloted by the Ministry of Home Affairs to restructure the statutory foundation of the Assam Rifles.
• Parliamentary Passage: Tabled, debated, and passed by both Houses of Parliament, receiving Presidential Assent on November 3, 2006.
• Enforcement: Enforced on February 20, 2009.
• Source: India Code and Ministry of Home Affairs Official Records