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A candidate’s knowledge of the three branches of government—the Union executive, legislative, and judicial—is evaluated in competitive exams. For instance, there is a section on politics and governance in the UPSC syllabus. In this context, acts, legislation, rules, and amendments are essential, and they form a major part of the questions.
We shall learn about the list of significant Indian acts in this article. Read this article to go through the list of most important acts in India for Competitive Exams, which will help in the preparation for upcoming competitive exams such as Railways, SSC, UPSC, Defence Exams (AFCAT, NDA, CDS ), and more.
Table of Contents
- 1 Significance of Acts for UPSC Exams
- 2 Important Acts in India: Modern History
- 3 Important Acts in India: Economy
- 4 Important Acts in India: Social Issues
- 5 Important Acts in India: Internal Security
- 6 Important Acts in India: Polity and Governance
- 7 Important Acts in India: Environment and Ecology
- 8 FAQs on Important Acts in India
Significance of Acts for UPSC Exams
Acts are important not just because the UPSC has directly asked questions from them, but also because they help explain the motivations behind several government initiatives. The news frequently mentions laws such as the Disaster Management Act, the Epidemic Diseases Act, the Environment Protection Act, and the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. Nevertheless, the substance of these acts is typically obscured by the headlines, making them hard to understand, especially in light of the UPSC.
UPSC applicants need to understand the salient features of the most significant laws that make news, the advantages and disadvantages of the legislation, and how and to what degree the laws will impact people’s lives across the nation.
Important Acts in India: Modern History
Studying important acts in India’s modern history is important for understanding the nation’s evolution. It makes an aspirant aware of the struggles for independence, the establishment of democratic principles, and the societal impact of important legislation.
| Act Name | Provisions and Significance |
| Regulating Act 1773 | Established the office of the Governor-General of Bengal.Introduced control and regulation over the East India Company. |
| Pitt’s India Act 1784 | Created a dual administration system with the Board of Control.Aimed to improve governance and increase accountability. |
| Charter Act 1793 | Renewed the charter of the East India Company for 20 years.Established Haileybury College for civil servant training. |
| Charter Act 1813 | Allowed Indian goods (except tea) to be imported into Britain.Introduced Christian missionaries to India. |
| Charter Act 1833 | Abolished the company’s trade monopoly.Introduced open competition for civil service appointments. |
| Government of India Act 1858 | Transferred governance from East India Company to the British Crown.Established direct control through the Secretary of State. |
| Indian Councils Act 1861 | Expanded legislative councils with limited Indian representation. |
| Criminal Tribes Act 1871 | Classified certain communities as “criminal tribes.Imposed surveillance and restrictions on their activities. |
| Indian Councils Act 1892 | Increased non-official members in legislative councils.Introduced communal representation. |
| Indian Councils Act (Morley-Minto reforms) 1909 | Expanded councils, increased elected members, and extended communal representation. |
| Defence of India Act 1915 | Enacted during World War I to suppress nationalist activities.Allowed arrest and detention without trial, restricted civil liberties. |
| Government of India Act (Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms) 1919 | Expanded powers and responsibilities of Indian legislative councils.Introduced dyarchy at the provincial level. |
| Rowlatt Act 1919 | Passed to suppress political dissent, and authorized detention without trial. |
| Government of India Act 1935 | Introduced federal structure, separate provincial and central governments.Granted limited autonomy to provinces. |
| Ilbert Bill 1883 | Aimed to allow Indian judges in cases involving European offenders.Faced opposition and controversy, leading to its dilution. |
| Indian Independence Act 1947 | This led to the partition of India and the creation of India and Pakistan.Granted independence and transferred power from British rule. |
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Important Acts in India: Economy
Studying important economic acts in India is non-negotiable for understanding the nation’s economic trajectory. It helps understand policy frameworks shaping fiscal and monetary landscapes, impacting businesses and livelihoods.
| Act | Description |
| Taxation Laws (Amendment) Act, 2021 | Aims to amend various tax laws to provide relief to taxpayers and promote ease of doing business. |
| Inland Vessels Bill, 2021 | Seeks to regulate and promote the development of inland waterways transportation in India. |
| Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 | Replaces the Major Port Trusts Act, of 1963, providing greater autonomy to major ports in India. |
| Code on Social Security, 2020 | Consolidates and amends laws related to social security benefits and welfare measures for workers. |
| Consumer Protection Act, 2019 | Comprehensive legislation protecting the rights and interests of consumers. |
| Indian Companies Act | Legal framework for incorporation, regulation, and governance of companies in India. |
| Competition Act, 2002 | Aims to promote competition, prevent anti-competitive practices, and protect consumer interests. |
| Fiscal Responsibility & Budget Management (FRBM) Act | Promotes fiscal discipline, prudent fiscal management, and long-term sustainability of public finances. |
| SARFAESI Act | Empower banks to enforce security interests and recover non-performing assets. |
| Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC), 2016 | Provides a time-bound and efficient resolution process for insolvency and bankruptcy cases. |
| FERA and FEMA | Regulate foreign exchange transactions, external trade, and foreign investments in India. |
| Foreign Contribution Regulation Act (FCRA) | Regulates the acceptance and utilization of foreign contributions in India. |
| Industrial Disputes Act, 1947 | Legal framework for the prevention and settlement of industrial disputes. |
| Labour Codes | Streamline and consolidate labor laws in India, enhancing worker welfare and ease of doing business. |
| Prevention of Money Laundering Act | Aims to prevent money laundering and financing of terrorist activities. |
| Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020 | Consolidates laws related to the safety, health, and working conditions of workers. |
| Code on Wages Bill, 2019 | Regulates and simplifies the payment of wages to workers, and sets standardized minimum wages. |
| Fugitive Economic Offenders Act, 2018 | Provides for the attachment and confiscation of properties of economic offenders who flee the country. |
| Indian Patents Act | Governs the grant and protection of patents in India, promoting innovation and technological development. |
| Energy Conservation Act, 2001 | Aims to promote energy efficiency and conservation in India. |
Studying key social issue-related acts in India is very important for comprehending the nation’s commitment to social justice. These acts address inequalities, discrimination, and human rights, shaping the societal fabric.
| Act | Description |
| Child Labour (Prohibition and Regulation) Act | Prohibits child labor in hazardous occupations, and regulates conditions for children in non-hazardous work. |
| POCSO Act | Addresses sexual offenses against children, and establishes special courts for speedy trials. |
| Juvenile Justice Act | Provides for the care, protection, and rehabilitation of children in conflict with the law. |
| Hindu Widow Remarriage Act, 1856 | Allows Hindu widows to remarry, promoting gender equality and social reform. |
| Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929 | Prevents the marriage of children below a certain age, protecting their rights and well-being. |
| Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act, 2019 [Triple Talaq Act] | Criminalizes the practice of instant triple talaq among Muslims, protecting the rights of Muslim women. |
| SC & ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Amendment Act, 2018 | Strengthens legal provisions for the protection of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes. |
| Indecent Representation of Women Act (IRW), 1986 | Prohibits the indecent representation of women through various forms of media. |
| Surrogacy Regulation Bill | Aims to regulate and monitor surrogacy arrangements in India, protecting the rights of all parties involved. |
| Sexual Harassment of Women Laws | Includes laws like the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace Act, addressing sexual harassment issues. |
| Medical Termination of Pregnancy (Amendment) Bill, 2021 | Seeks to amend laws related to termination of pregnancy, expanding access to safe and legal abortion services. |
| Immoral Traffic (Prevention) Act (ITPA) | Addresses human trafficking for sexual exploitation, preventing and suppressing immoral trafficking. |
| Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act, 2016 | Promotes the rights and inclusion of persons with disabilities, ensuring equal opportunities. |
| Trafficking in Persons (Prevention, Care and Rehabilitation) Bill, 2021 | Aims to prevent and combat trafficking in persons, protect and assist victims, and rehabilitate survivors. |
Important Acts in India: Internal Security
Studying acts related to internal security in India is very important for appreciating the nation’s efforts to safeguard its citizens and maintain stability. These acts address threats, emergencies, and counter-terrorism strategies, enhancing understanding of the delicate balance between security measures and individual freedoms in a complex geopolitical landscape.
| Act | Description |
| Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) | Empower authorities to take necessary measures to combat terrorism and safeguard national security. |
| Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) | Grants special powers to the armed forces in specified areas to maintain law and order. |
| National Security Act, 1980 | Empower authorities to take preventive measures for maintaining internal stability and security. |
Important Acts in India: Polity and Governance
Studying important acts in India’s polity and governance is very important for understanding the framework shaping the nation’s political structure. These acts define democratic principles, electoral processes, transparency, and citizen rights.
| Act | Description |
| Representation of People Act, 1951 | Governs elections in India, outlining rules for conduct, eligibility, and dispute resolution. |
| Right to Education Act (RTE) | Ensures free and compulsory education for children between 6 and 14 years old. |
| Right to Information Act (RTI) | Grants citizens the right to access information from public authorities. |
| Official Secrets Act, 1923 | Deals with espionage, unauthorized disclosure of sensitive information, and official secrets. |
| Epidemic Diseases Act, 1897 | Provides powers to control the spread of dangerous diseases. |
| 44th Amendment Act | Amended the Constitution, impacting fundamental rights and limitations on governmental power. |
| 42nd Amendment Act | Brought extensive changes to the Constitution, altering provisions related to fundamental rights. |
| Disaster Management Act, 2005 | Focuses on disaster response, recovery, and mitigation strategies. |
| Road Safety and Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill, 2019 | Introduces changes to enhance road safety and traffic regulations. |
| Drug Price Control Order, 2013 | Regulates the prices of essential medicines in India. |
| National Medical Commission Bill, 2019 | Proposes reforms in medical education and healthcare. |
| Mines and Minerals Development and Regulation Amendment Bill, 2015 | Amends laws governing mining activities in India. |
| MGNREGA | Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act provides rural employment opportunities. |
| Personal Data Protection Bill, 2019 | Addresses issues related to the processing of personal data in India. |
| Information Technology Act, 2000 | Governs cybersecurity, e-commerce, and digital communication in India. |
| NDPS Act | The Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act regulates controlled substances. |
| 73rd Constitutional Amendment Act, 1992 | Empowers local self-government institutions in rural areas (Panchayati Raj). |
| Government of NCT of Delhi (Amendment) Act, 2021 | Alters the powers and functions of the government in the National Capital Territory of Delhi. |
| Places of Worship (Special Provisions) Act, 1991 | Freezes the status of certain places of worship as of August 15, 1947. |
| 102nd Amendment Act | Pertains to reservations for economically weaker sections in educational institutions and public employment. |
| Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988 | Criminalizes bribery and corruption among public servants. |
| Tribunals Reforms Act, 2021 | Seeks to streamline the functioning of tribunals in India. |
Important Acts in India: Environment and Ecology
Studying important environmental and ecological acts in India is very important for comprehending the nation’s commitment to sustainable development and biodiversity conservation. These laws shape policies governing wildlife, forests, water, and pollution control, fostering awareness and responsible citizenship.
| Act | Description |
| Wildlife Protection Act, 1972 | Preserves wildlife, prohibits hunting, and outlines measures for the protection of endangered species. |
| CAMPA Law | The Compensatory Afforestation Fund (CAF) Act, 2016, addresses the use of funds for afforestation projects. |
| National Water Framework Bill, 2016 | Establishes a comprehensive framework for the sustainable management of water resources in India. |
| Forest Rights Act, 2006 | Recognizes and vests forest rights in Scheduled Tribes and other traditional forest dwellers. |
| Biological Diversity Act, 2002 | Regulates access to biological resources and associated knowledge, promoting conservation and fair use. |
| Environment (Protection) Act, 1986 | Empower the central government to take measures for environmental protection and conservation. |
| Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act, 1981 | Controls air pollution by regulating emissions from industries and vehicles. |
| Forest Conservation Act, 1980 | Requires central government approval for diverting forest land for non-forest purposes. |
| Indian Forest Act, 1927 | Governs the protection of forests and the rights of forest dwellers, balancing conservation and use. |
| Energy Conservation Act, 2001 | Promotes efficient use of energy and its conservation, setting standards for energy-consuming devices. |
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FAQs on Important Acts in India
The important acts passed in India after independence include the Special Marriage Act of 1954, the Citizenship Act of 1955, the States Reorganisation Act of 1956, the Ancient Monuments and Archaeological Sites and Remains Act of 1958, the Code on Wages of 2019, the Consumer Protection Act of 2019, etc.
Three landmark Bills relating to the criminal justice system to ensure victim-centric justice namely the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023, the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, 2023 and the Bharatiya Sakshya Bill, 2023 replacing the Indian Penal Code, 1860, the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 and the Indian Evidence.
The Constitution of India guarantees the protection of life and personal liberty to one and all. It provides adequate safeguards for fundamental rights against arbitrary decisions.
The Government of India Act of 1935 was the lengthiest document that converted India into a Federal Country. It was a milestone in the history of the running of the Government of India.
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