Law Centre

Constitution of India, 1950

The supreme law of India establishing the framework of government, fundamental rights, directive principles of state policy, and duties of citizens. It defines the structure, powers, and responsibilities of constitutional authorities.

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Constitutional Amendments (1st–106th)

Constitutional Amendments modify, add to, or repeal provisions of the Constitution of India. These amendments reflect India’s evolving constitutional, social, economic, and political framework since 1951.

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Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023 (BNS)

Defines offences and prescribes punishments and replaces the Indian Penal Code, 1860 as the substantive criminal law of India.

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Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 (BNSS)

Lays down the procedure for investigation, inquiry and trial of criminal offences and replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973.

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Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (CPC)

Governs the procedure for filing and adjudication of civil suits in India, including jurisdiction of courts, pleadings, trial procedure, execution of decrees, and appeals.

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Aadhaar (Targeted Delivery of Financial and Other Subsidies, Benefits and Services) Act, 2016

Provides for the use of Aadhaar numbers for establishing the identity of individuals for delivery of subsidies, benefits and services funded from the Consolidated Fund of India.

Advocates Act, 1961

Consolidates and amends the law relating to legal practitioners and provides for the constitution of Bar Councils and an All India Bar.

Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981

Provides for the prevention, control and abatement of air pollution and for the establishment of Central and State Pollution Control Boards.

Aircraft Act, 1934

Regulates the manufacture, possession, use, operation, sale, import and export of aircraft in India.

Airports Authority of India Act, 1994

Provides for the constitution of the Airports Authority of India and for the management and development of airports and civil enclaves.

All India Services Act, 1951

Regulates recruitment and conditions of service of persons appointed to the All India Services, including the Indian Administrative Service and Indian Police Service.

Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act, 1958

Provides for the preservation of ancient and historical monuments and archaeological sites and remains of national importance.

Arbitration and Conciliation Act, 1996

Consolidates and amends the law relating to domestic arbitration, international commercial arbitration, enforcement of foreign arbitral awards and conciliation.

Banking Regulation Act, 1949

Regulates banking companies in India and provides a framework for supervision and control of banking institutions by the Reserve Bank of India.

Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Act, 1988

Prohibits benami transactions and provides for confiscation of benami property and matters connected therewith.

Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023 (BSA)

Governs the admissibility, relevance and appreciation of evidence in judicial proceedings and replaces the Indian Evidence Act, 1872.

Biological Diversity Act, 2002

Provides for conservation of biological diversity, sustainable use of its components and fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from biological resources.

Boilers Act, 1923

Regulates the manufacture, installation, operation and maintenance of boilers to ensure safety.

Border Security Force Act, 1968

Provides for the constitution and regulation of the Border Security Force and matters connected therewith.

Central Vigilance Commission Act, 2003

Provides for the constitution of the Central Vigilance Commission to inquire into offences alleged to have been committed under the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988.

Census Act, 1948

Provides for the taking of census in India and regulates the collection, processing and confidentiality of census data.

Chartered Accountants Act, 1949

Provides for the regulation of the profession of chartered accountants and establishes the Institute of Chartered Accountants of India.

Child and Adolescent Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act, 1986

Prohibits the engagement of children in certain occupations and regulates the conditions of work of adolescents.

Cigarettes and Other Tobacco Products Act, 2003

Prohibits advertisement of cigarettes and other tobacco products and regulates their trade, production, supply and distribution.

Citizenship Act, 1955

Provides for the acquisition and determination of Indian citizenship and matters relating thereto.

Companies Act, 2013

Consolidates and amends the law relating to companies, including incorporation, governance, corporate responsibility and winding up.

Competition Act, 2002

Provides for the establishment of the Competition Commission of India to prevent practices having adverse effect on competition and to promote and sustain competition in markets.

Consumer Protection Act, 2019

Provides for protection of the interests of consumers and establishes authorities for timely and effective administration and settlement of consumer disputes.

Contempt of Courts Act, 1971

Defines and limits the powers of courts in punishing contempt of court and regulates the procedure relating thereto.

Copyright Act, 1957

Provides for the protection of literary, dramatic, musical and artistic works, cinematograph films and sound recordings.

Customs Act, 1962

Provides for the levy and collection of customs duties and for prevention of smuggling of goods.

Delhi Special Police Establishment Act, 1946

Provides for the constitution of a special police force for the investigation of certain offences in the Union Territories and, with consent, in the States.

Designs Act, 2000

Consolidates and amends the law relating to the protection of industrial designs to promote innovation and industrial development.

Dowry Prohibition Act, 1961

Prohibits the giving or taking of dowry and provides penalties for offences connected with dowry.

Drugs and Cosmetics Act, 1940

Regulates the import, manufacture, distribution and sale of drugs and cosmetics to ensure their safety, quality and efficacy.

Disaster Management Act, 2005

Provides for effective management of disasters and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Divorce Act, 1869

Amends the law relating to divorce and matrimonial causes among persons professing the Christian religion.

Delhi Rent Control Act, 1958

Regulates the letting of premises and controls rents and evictions in the National Capital Territory of Delhi.

Depositories Act, 1996

Provides for the regulation of depositories in securities and facilitates dematerialisation of securities.

Indian Easements Act, 1882

Defines and amends the law relating to easements and licences, including rights attached to land for its beneficial enjoyment.

Electricity Act, 2003

Consolidates the laws relating to generation, transmission, distribution, trading and use of electricity and promotes competition and consumer protection.

Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923

Provides for payment of compensation to employees for injury, disablement or death arising out of and in the course of employment.

Employees’ State Insurance Act, 1948

Provides for health insurance, medical and cash benefits to employees in case of sickness, maternity, employment injury and related matters.

Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952

Provides for the institution of provident fund, pension fund and deposit-linked insurance fund for employees in factories and other establishments.

Environment (Protection) Act, 1986

Provides for the protection and improvement of the environment and for the prevention, control and abatement of environmental pollution.

Essential Commodities Act, 1955

Provides for the control of production, supply and distribution of essential commodities to secure their equitable availability at fair prices.

Extradition Act, 1962

Provides for the extradition of fugitive criminals to and from India and for matters connected therewith.

Factories Act, 1948

Regulates labour in factories by providing for health, safety, welfare of workers, working hours and leave with wages.

Fertiliser (Control) Order, 1985

Regulates the manufacture, quality, distribution and sale of fertilisers to ensure availability to farmers at reasonable prices.

Foreign Contribution (Regulation) Act, 2010

Regulates the acceptance and utilisation of foreign contribution and foreign hospitality to ensure it does not affect national interest.

Foreign Exchange Management Act, 1999

Consolidates the law relating to foreign exchange to facilitate external trade and payments and promote orderly development of the foreign exchange market.

Foreign Trade (Development and Regulation) Act, 1992

Provides for development and regulation of foreign trade by facilitating imports and augmenting exports.

Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980

Provides for conservation of forests and regulates diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes.

Freedom of Information Act, 2002

Provided for access to information held by public authorities; later repealed upon enactment of the Right to Information Act, 2005.

Gas Cylinders Rules, 2016

Regulates the manufacture, filling, possession, transport and use of gas cylinders in India in the interest of public safety, framed under the Explosives Act, 1884.

General Clauses Act, 1897

Provides general definitions and principles for the interpretation of Central Acts and Regulations to ensure uniformity in legislative drafting.

Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act, 1999

Provides for the registration and protection of geographical indications relating to goods to prevent unauthorised use and promote economic prosperity of producers.

Government of India Act, 1935

Provided the framework for governance of British India and introduced provincial autonomy; largely repealed after commencement of the Constitution of India.

Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017

Introduces a comprehensive indirect tax on supply of goods and services and subsumes multiple central and state indirect taxes into a unified tax regime.

Guardian and Wards Act, 1890

Defines the law relating to guardianship of minors and provides for appointment and supervision of guardians by courts.

Hindu Marriage Act, 1955

Amends and codifies the law relating to marriage among Hindus, including conditions for marriage, divorce and judicial separation.

Hindu Succession Act, 1956

Amends and codifies the law relating to intestate succession among Hindus and provides rules of inheritance.

Hindu Minority and Guardianship Act, 1956

Codifies the law relating to minority and guardianship among Hindus and defines the rights and obligations of guardians.

Hindu Adoptions and Maintenance Act, 1956

Codifies the law relating to adoptions and maintenance among Hindus and specifies conditions for valid adoption.

Hire-Purchase Act, 1972

Regulates hire-purchase agreements and defines the rights and obligations of owners and hirers; enforcement provisions were later repealed.

Homoeopathy Central Council Act, 1973

Provided for the constitution of the Central Council of Homoeopathy for regulation of education and practice; later repealed and replaced by the National Commission for Homoeopathy Act, 2020.

High Court Judges (Salaries and Conditions of Service) Act, 1954

Regulates the salaries, allowances and other conditions of service of Judges of the High Courts.

Indian Contract Act, 1872

Defines and amends the law relating to contracts, including formation, performance, breach, indemnity, guarantee, bailment and agency.

Indian Evidence Act, 1872 (Repealed)

Earlier governed admissibility and appreciation of evidence in courts; repealed and replaced by the Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam, 2023.

Indian Penal Code, 1860 (Repealed)

Earlier substantive criminal law of India; repealed and replaced by the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023.

Industrial Disputes Act, 1947

Provides for investigation and settlement of industrial disputes and promotes industrial peace through conciliation and adjudication.

Information Technology Act, 2000

Provides legal recognition to electronic records and digital signatures and prescribes offences and penalties relating to cyber activities.

Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2016

Consolidates laws relating to insolvency resolution of corporate persons, partnership firms and individuals in a time-bound manner.

Income-tax Act, 1961

Provides for the levy, administration and collection of income tax and regulates assessment, exemptions, penalties and appeals.

Indian Stamp Act, 1899

Consolidates and amends the law relating to stamp duties chargeable on instruments.

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015

Provides for the care, protection, treatment and rehabilitation of children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection through child-friendly procedures.

Judges (Protection) Act, 1985

Provides protection to judges and persons acting judicially from civil or criminal proceedings for acts done in discharge of judicial functions.

Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2000 (Repealed)

Earlier law governing juvenile justice in India; repealed and replaced by the Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act, 2015.

Karnataka High Court Act, 1961

Provides for the constitution and organisation of the High Court of Karnataka and regulates matters relating to its jurisdiction and administration.

Kidnapping and Abduction (Offences under Criminal Law)

Offences relating to kidnapping and abduction are defined and punishable under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, replacing the Indian Penal Code, 1860.

Khadi and Village Industries Commission Act, 1956

Provides for the establishment of the Khadi and Village Industries Commission to promote development of khadi and village industries in rural areas.

Karnataka Rent Control Act (State Law)

State-specific legislation regulating tenancy and rent control in Karnataka; included here for reference but not a Central Act.

Land Acquisition Act, 1894 (Repealed)

Earlier law governing compulsory acquisition of land for public purposes; repealed and replaced by the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013.

Legal Services Authorities Act, 1987

Provides for the constitution of legal services authorities to ensure free and competent legal services to the weaker sections of society and to organise Lok Adalats.

Limitation Act, 1963

Prescribes the time limits within which suits, appeals and applications must be instituted in courts.

Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act, 2013

Provides for the establishment of the Lokpal at the Centre and Lokayuktas in States to inquire into allegations of corruption against public functionaries.

Life Insurance Corporation Act, 1956

Provides for the nationalisation of life insurance business in India and establishes the Life Insurance Corporation of India.

Limited Liability Partnership Act, 2008

Provides for the formation and regulation of limited liability partnerships and defines their rights, duties and liabilities.

Lok Sabha Secretariat Act, 1951

Provides for matters relating to the staff and administration of the Lok Sabha Secretariat.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005

Provides for the enhancement of livelihood security of rural households by guaranteeing at least one hundred days of wage employment in every financial year.

Maintenance and Welfare of Parents and Senior Citizens Act, 2007

Provides for maintenance and welfare of parents and senior citizens and establishes tribunals for speedy and inexpensive relief.

Major Port Authorities Act, 2021

Provides for regulation, operation and planning of major ports in India and replaces the Major Port Trusts Act, 1963.

Medical Termination of Pregnancy Act, 1971

Regulates the conditions under which pregnancy may be terminated by registered medical practitioners.

Mines Act, 1952

Regulates the working conditions, safety, health and welfare of persons employed in mines.

Minimum Wages Act, 1948

Provides for fixing and regulating minimum rates of wages in certain employments.

Motor Vehicles Act, 1988

Provides for regulation of motor vehicles, licensing of drivers, registration of vehicles and control of traffic on roads.

Maternity Benefit Act, 1961

Regulates employment of women in certain establishments before and after childbirth and provides maternity and related benefits.

Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019

Protects the rights of Muslim women by declaring the practice of instant triple talaq void and illegal and providing for related matters.

Merchant Shipping Act, 1958

Provides for the registration, certification and safety of ships and regulates shipping and navigation matters.

National Food Security Act, 2013

Provides for food and nutritional security by ensuring access to adequate quantity of quality food at affordable prices to eligible households.

National Green Tribunal Act, 2010

Provides for the establishment of the National Green Tribunal for effective and expeditious disposal of cases relating to environmental protection and conservation of natural resources.

National Investigation Agency Act, 2008

Establishes the National Investigation Agency for investigation and prosecution of offences affecting sovereignty, security and integrity of India.

National Security Act, 1980

Provides for preventive detention in certain cases to maintain public order and national security.

National Medical Commission Act, 2019

Provides for the regulation of medical education and medical profession and replaces the Indian Medical Council Act, 1956.

Negotiable Instruments Act, 1881

Defines and amends the law relating to promissory notes, bills of exchange and cheques, including penalties for dishonour of cheques.

Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act, 1985

Regulates and controls operations relating to narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances and provides penalties for illicit trafficking.

Official Secrets Act, 1923

Provides for penalties for espionage, unauthorised disclosure of official information, and matters connected with safeguarding State security.

Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code, 2020

Consolidates and amends laws regulating occupational safety, health and working conditions of persons employed in establishments and replaces multiple labour laws.

Oaths Act, 1969

Provides for the administration of oaths and affirmations to witnesses, interpreters and jurors in judicial proceedings.

Official Languages Act, 1963

Provides for the continued use of English for official purposes of the Union and for use of Hindi and regional languages in certain contexts.

Orphanages and Other Charitable Homes (Supervision and Control) Act, 1960

Provides for the supervision and control of orphanages and other charitable homes to ensure proper care and protection of inmates.

Passports Act, 1967

Provides for the issue of passports and travel documents, regulates departure from India, and matters connected therewith.

Patents Act, 1970

Consolidates and amends the law relating to patents, providing for protection of inventions and regulation of patent rights in India.

Payment of Bonus Act, 1965

Provides for the payment of bonus to persons employed in certain establishments on the basis of profits or productivity.

Payment of Gratuity Act, 1972

Provides for the payment of gratuity to employees engaged in factories, mines, oilfields, plantations and other establishments.

Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act, 2012

Provides for the protection of children from sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography and establishes Special Courts for trial of such offences.

Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988

Provides for the prevention of corruption and for matters connected therewith, including offences by public servants.

Prevention of Money Laundering Act, 2002

Prevents money laundering and provides for confiscation of property derived from or involved in money-laundering activities.

Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act, 2005

Provides for protection of women from domestic violence and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.

Public Premises (Eviction of Unauthorised Occupants) Act, 1971

Provides for eviction of unauthorised occupants from public premises and for matters connected therewith.

Right to Information Act, 2005

Provides for setting out the practical regime of right to information for citizens to secure access to information under the control of public authorities.

Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act, 2009

Provides for free and compulsory education to all children of the age of six to fourteen years as a fundamental right.

Representation of the People Act, 1951

Provides for the conduct of elections to the Houses of Parliament and to the Legislature of each State and for matters connected therewith.

Representation of the People Act, 1950

Provides for the allocation of seats in the House of the People and in the Legislative Assemblies and for the preparation of electoral rolls.

Reserve Bank of India Act, 1934

Constitutes the Reserve Bank of India to regulate the issue of bank notes and to keep reserves with a view to securing monetary stability in India.

Registration Act, 1908

Provides for the registration of documents to ensure authenticity, publicity and prevention of fraud relating to property and transactions.

Railway Protection Force Act, 1957

Provides for the constitution and regulation of the Railway Protection Force for the protection and security of railway property.

Repatriation of Prisoners Act, 2003

Provides for transfer of sentenced persons between India and foreign countries pursuant to international agreements.

Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013

Provides for just and fair compensation in land acquisition and ensures rehabilitation and resettlement of affected families.

Securitisation and Reconstruction of Financial Assets and Enforcement of Security Interest Act, 2002 (SARFAESI)

Enables banks and financial institutions to recover non-performing assets without intervention of courts by enforcing security interests.

Service Tax Laws (Merged into GST)

Earlier governed levy and collection of service tax in India; subsumed under the Goods and Services Tax regime with effect from 1 July 2017.

Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act, 2013

Provides protection against sexual harassment of women at workplace and for prevention and redressal of complaints.

Supreme Court Advocates (Practice in High Courts) Act, 1951

Regulates the right of advocates of the Supreme Court to practice in High Courts.

State Bank of India Act, 1955

Provides for the establishment, constitution and management of the State Bank of India as the principal banking institution of the country.

Suits Valuation Act, 1887

Prescribes rules for determining the value of suits for purposes of jurisdiction and court fees.

Standards of Weights and Measures Act, 1976

Provided for uniform standards of weights and measures; later repealed and replaced by the Legal Metrology Act, 2009.

Seeds Act, 1966

Regulates the quality of seeds sold for agriculture purposes and ensures availability of certified seeds to farmers.

Securities Contracts (Regulation) Act, 1956

Regulates trading in securities and stock exchanges and prevents undesirable transactions in securities.

State Financial Corporations Act, 1951

Provides for the establishment of State Financial Corporations to finance small and medium-scale industries.

Scheduled Areas (Extension of Laws) Act, 1996 (PESA)

Extends provisions of Part IX of the Constitution relating to Panchayats to Scheduled Areas with special safeguards for tribal communities.

Special Economic Zones Act, 2005

Provides for establishment, development and management of Special Economic Zones to promote exports and economic growth.

Suppression of Immoral Traffic in Women and Girls Act, 1956

Provides for prevention of immoral traffic; later renamed and amended as the Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act, 1956.

Sale of Goods Act, 1930

Regulates contracts for sale of goods, including conditions and warranties, transfer of ownership, performance of contracts and remedies for breach.

Transfer of Property Act, 1882

Regulates the transfer of property by act of parties and defines the rights and liabilities of transferors and transferees.

Trade Marks Act, 1999

Provides for registration and protection of trademarks and prevention of fraudulent use of marks in relation to goods and services.

Telecom Regulatory Authority of India Act, 1997

Establishes the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India to regulate telecommunication services and protect consumer interests.

Transgender Persons (Protection of Rights) Act, 2019

Provides for protection of rights of transgender persons and their welfare and prohibits discrimination against them.

Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021

Reforms the functioning of tribunals by rationalising tribunals and laying down uniform service conditions for tribunal members.

Indian Trusts Act, 1882

Codifies the law relating to private trusts and trustees, defining their duties, rights and liabilities.

Taxation Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021

Amends various taxation laws including income tax provisions relating to reassessment and dispute resolution.

Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967

Provides for the prevention of unlawful activities and associations and for dealing with terrorist activities threatening the sovereignty and integrity of India.

University Grants Commission Act, 1956

Establishes the University Grants Commission for coordination, determination and maintenance of standards of higher education in India.

Unorganised Workers’ Social Security Act, 2008

Provides for social security and welfare of unorganised workers through formulation of welfare schemes.

Unit Trust of India Act, 1963

Provided for the establishment of the Unit Trust of India to mobilise savings and invest funds; later repealed following restructuring of UTI.

Uttar Pradesh Reorganisation Act, 2000

Provides for the reorganisation of the State of Uttar Pradesh and formation of the State of Uttarakhand.

Vaccination Act, 1880

Provided for compulsory vaccination in certain areas; largely obsolete and of historical relevance today.

Voluntary Disclosure of Income Scheme Act, 1997

Provided an opportunity to declare undisclosed income by paying prescribed tax; scheme closed and of historical relevance.

Persons with Disabilities (Equal Opportunities, Protection of Rights and Full Participation) Act, 1995 (Repealed)

Earlier provided for rights of persons with disabilities; repealed and replaced by the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016.

Victim Compensation Scheme (Criminal Law)

Provides for compensation to victims of crime under criminal procedure, now governed by provisions under Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023.

Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1974

Provides for the prevention and control of water pollution and for maintaining or restoring the wholesomeness of water through Pollution Control Boards.

Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Cess Act, 1977 (Repealed)

Earlier provided for levy and collection of cess on water consumption by industries; repealed following the introduction of the Goods and Services Tax regime.

Whistle Blowers Protection Act, 2014

Provides a mechanism to receive complaints relating to disclosure of corruption or misuse of power by public servants and to protect whistle blowers.

Waqf Act, 1995

Provides for better administration and supervision of waqf properties and establishes Waqf Boards and Tribunals.

Wild Life (Protection) Act, 1972

Provides for protection of wild animals, birds and plants and matters connected therewith, including creation of protected areas.

Working Journalists and Other Newspaper Employees (Conditions of Service) Act, 1955

Regulates conditions of service, wages and working hours of working journalists and other newspaper employees.

Weekly Holidays Act, 1942

Provides for the grant of weekly holidays to persons employed in shops, restaurants and theatres.

Young Persons (Harmful Publications) Act, 1956

Prohibits publication of material likely to corrupt young persons by portraying criminal or immoral conduct in an attractive manner.

States Reorganisation Act, 1956 (Zonal Councils Provisions)

Provides for the establishment of Zonal Councils to promote cooperation among States and address inter-State matters.