The Civil Defence Act, 1968
Administered Ministry: Ministry of Home Affairs / Department of Internal Security
Act details
| Short title | The Civil Defence Act, 1968 |
|---|---|
| Long title | An Act to make provision for civil defence and for matters connected therewith. |
| Act number | 27 of 1968 |
| Act year | 1968 |
| Enactment date | 24 May 1968 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Home Affairs / Department of Internal Security |
| Department | Department of Internal Security |
| Jurisdiction | Central (Parliament of India) |
| Sections | 24 |
| Status | Not repealed |
| Last checked on India Code | 3 Nov 2026 |
| Source | India Code, Government of India |
Summary
Summary of The Civil Defence Act, 1968
Objective
Establish a legal framework for civil defence against hostile attacks and disasters.
Key Provisions
1. Constitution of Civil Defence Service
• State Governments may form a Civil Defence Service.
• Members can be deployed across states with equivalent powers and liabilities.
2. Appointments and Discipline
• Authorities can appoint members and officers based on fitness and willingness.
• Summary dismissal for misconduct or unsatisfactory performance.
3. Functions and Penalties
• Members must perform assigned civil defence functions.
• Penalty for neglecting orders: Up to ₹500 fine (with daily ₹50 for continuance).
4. Rule Making Authority
• Central Government empowered to make rules for civil defence.
• Broad scope including:
• Infrastructure protection (canals, transport, communications, utilities).
• Control of movements, communications, and resources.
• Penalties for contraventions (up to 3 years imprisonment or fine).
5. Disaster Management Integration
• Implicit through coordination with broader disaster management frameworks (as seen in referenced Disaster Management Act, 2005 contexts).
• Includes prevention, mitigation, response, and recovery measures.
6. Penal Provisions
• Enhanced penalties for serious offenses (up to 7 years imprisonment or fine for rule contraventions).
• Specific penalties for military law contraventions (context partially provided).
• Administration and Enforcement
Director and State Government Oversight: Manage Civil Defence Services.
Judicial and Administrative Enforcement: Courts and designated authorities handle prosecutions and penalties.
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Legislative history
Legislative History:
The Civil Defence Act, 1968
● Act Title - The Civil Defence Act, 1968
● Act Number / Year - 27 of 1968
● Act ID (India Code) - 196827
● Presidential Assent Date - May 24, 1968
● Enforcement Date - July 10, 1968
● Nodal Ministry - Ministry of Home Affairs
Precedent & Historical Rationale
● National Defense Preparedness - Enacted in the aftermath of the 1962 Sino-Indian War and the 1965 Indo-Pakistani War to establish a permanent legal framework for civil defense measures, safeguarding life, property, and vital installations during external aggression or hostile attacks.
● Statutory Civil Defence Corps - Formulated to provide for the creation and regulation of a voluntary Civil Defence Corps, granting statutory powers to authorities to implement measures such as blackouts, camouflage, evacuation, and emergency rescue operations.
Parliamentary Trajectory & Enactment
● Formulation - Introduced by the Ministry of Home Affairs to replace emergency executive orders and temporary defense regulations with a unified, nationwide statutory act.
● Parliamentary Passage - Debated and passed by both Houses of Parliament (Fourth Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha) during the May 1968 session.
● Presidential Assent - Received Presidential Assent on May 24, 1968.
● Enforcement - Enforced on July 10, 1968.
Source - Official Record of Parliament, India Code, and Ministry of Home Affairs.