List of Important Acts in India, Laws, Constitutional Amendments

Q: Which Act transferred the administration of India from the East India Company to the British Crown?

The Government of India Act, 1858 transferred the administration of India from the East India Company to the British Crown following the Revolt of 1857.

Q: Which Act introduced Provincial Autonomy in British India?

The Government of India Act, 1935 introduced Provincial Autonomy and laid the foundation for India’s present federal system.

Q: Which Act grants citizens the legal right to obtain information from public authorities?

The Right to Information (RTI) Act, 2005 empowers citizens to seek information from public authorities, promoting transparency and accountability.

Q: Which Act established the National Green Tribunal (NGT)?

The National Green Tribunal Act, 2010 established the National Green Tribunal for the effective and speedy disposal of environmental cases.

Q: Which Act replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860?

The Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), 2023 replaced the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860, as part of India’s criminal law reforms.

Q: Which Act introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India?

The 101st Constitutional Amendment Act, 2016 introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) in India.

Table of Contents☰

Important Acts in India form the foundation of the country’s legal, administrative and governance system. These Acts regulate government functioning, protect citizens’ rights, promote social justice, support economic development and maintain law and order. From the Regulating Act of 1773 to recent laws on digital governance and criminal justice reforms, they reflect the evolution of India’s political, economic and social framework.

List of Important Acts in India

The List of Important Acts in India includes landmark laws that regulate governance, protect citizens’ rights, maintain public order, and promote social and economic development. These important Acts form the backbone of India’s legal and administrative system. Understanding the List of Important Acts in India helps in gaining a better understanding of the country’s constitutional, political, and legal framework.

Colonial Administration and Constitutional Acts (1773-1947)

These Acts represent the constitutional and administrative evolution of British India. They gradually transformed the East India Company from a trading organisation into a political authority under British control and laid the foundation for modern administrative institutions in India.

Act	Year	Description
Regulating Act 1773	1773	The first major step by the British Parliament to regulate the affairs of the East India Company. It established the office of the Governor-General of Bengal and created a Supreme Court at Calcutta (1774). It marked the beginning of parliamentary control over Company administration in India.
Pitt’s India Act 1784	1784	Introduced the system of Dual Control between the British Government and the East India Company. It created the Board of Control to supervise the Company’s political affairs while allowing the Company to manage commercial activities.
Charter Act 1813	1813	Ended the East India Company’s monopoly over trade in India except tea and trade with China. It also allowed Christian missionaries to enter India and promoted education through government funds.
Charter Act 1833	1833	Centralised administration by making the Governor-General of Bengal the Governor-General of India. It ended the Company’s commercial activities and made it a purely administrative body.
Charter Act 1853	1853	Introduced open competition for recruitment to the Indian Civil Services and separated the legislative and executive functions of the Governor-General’s Council.
Government of India Act 1858	1858	Passed after the Revolt of 1857, it ended the rule of the East India Company and transferred administration directly to the British Crown. It created the office of the Secretary of State for India assisted by the India Council.
Indian Councils Act 1861	1861	Introduced legislative councils with limited Indian representation and restored legislative powers to provinces. It marked the beginning of association of Indians with the legislative process.
Indian Councils Act 1892	1892	Expanded legislative councils and allowed indirect election through nomination. It also increased the power of councils to discuss budgets and ask questions.
Indian Councils Act (Morley-Minto Reforms) 1909	1909	Introduced separate electorates for Muslims, expanded legislative councils and increased Indian participation in governance. It was an important step in the development of communal representation.
Government of India Act 1919	1919	Introduced Diarchy in provinces, dividing provincial subjects into transferred and reserved categories. It also expanded legislative councils and increased Indian representation.
Government of India Act 1935	1935	The most comprehensive constitutional reform introduced by the British. It provided for Provincial Autonomy, proposed an All-India Federation, expanded the franchise and established the framework for federal governance. Many provisions influenced the Indian Constitution.
Indian Independence Act 1947	1947	Ended British rule in India and created two independent Dominions – India and Pakistan. It transferred legislative sovereignty to the Constituent Assemblies of both countries.

Important Constitutional and Governance Acts

These Acts provide the legal framework for democratic governance, electoral processes, decentralisation, transparency, accountability and delivery of public services. They strengthen institutions created under the Constitution and support the functioning of India’s administrative system.

Act	Year	Key Provisions
Representation of the People Act 1950	1950	Provides for electoral rolls, allocation of seats, delimitation of constituencies and the framework for elections to Parliament and State Legislatures.
Representation of the People Act 1951	1951	Regulates the conduct of elections, qualifications and disqualifications of candidates, corrupt practices and election disputes.
Official Languages Act 1963	1963	Provides for the continued use of English along with Hindi for official purposes of the Union.
Anti-Defection Law (52nd Constitutional Amendment Act) 1985	1985	Added the Tenth Schedule to prevent elected representatives from defecting between political parties.
Administrative Tribunals Act 1985	1985	Established administrative tribunals under Article 323A for resolving service-related disputes of government employees.
National Commission for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes Act 1990	1990	Provided the statutory framework for protecting the interests of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (later replaced by constitutional commissions).
National Commission for Minorities Act 1992	1992	Established the National Commission for Minorities to monitor safeguards for minority communities.
73rd Constitutional Amendment Act (Panchayati Raj Act) 1992	1992	Granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions, added Part IX, established Gram Sabhas, provided reservation and ensured regular elections to rural local bodies.
74th Constitutional Amendment Act (Municipalities Act) 1992	1992	Granted constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies, added Part IX-A and provided a framework for municipalities, elections and urban governance.
Panchayats (Extension to Scheduled Areas) Act (PESA) 1996	1996	Extended Panchayati Raj provisions to Fifth Schedule areas and empowered Gram Sabhas in tribal self-governance and resource management.
Right to Information Act (RTI) 2005	2005	Promotes transparency and accountability by granting citizens the right to access information held by public authorities.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 2005	2005	Provides a legal guarantee of 100 days of rural employment and strengthens grassroots participation through social audits.
Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act (VB-GRAMG) 2025	2025	Replaced MGNREGA from 1 July 2026; guarantees 125 days of wage employment to eligible rural households, strengthens Gram Panchayat-led planning, promotes durable rural infrastructure, climate resilience, digital governance, and aligns rural development with Viksit Bharat @2047.
Disaster Management Act 2005	2005	Created institutional mechanisms such as NDMA, SDMAs and NDRF for disaster preparedness and management.
Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (RTE) 2009	2009	Implements Article 21A by guaranteeing free and compulsory education for children aged 6–14 years.
Lokpal and Lokayuktas Act 2013	2013	Establishes anti-corruption institutions at the Union and State levels for investigating allegations against public officials.
Whistle Blowers Protection Act 2014	2014	Provides safeguards for individuals reporting corruption and wrongdoing in public administration.
Aadhaar Act 2016	2016	Provides legal recognition to Aadhaar-based identification and supports digital delivery of government services.
Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act 2016	2016	Provides equality, accessibility, reservation and protection of rights of persons with disabilities.
Government of National Capital Territory of Delhi (Amendment) Act 2021	2021	Defines the administrative relationship between the elected government of Delhi and the Lieutenant Governor.
Chief Election Commissioner and Other Election Commissioners Act 2023	2023	Provides a legal framework for appointment, tenure and service conditions of Election Commissioners.

Important Constitutional Amendment Acts

Constitutional Amendment Acts modify the provisions of the Indian Constitution to address changing social, economic and political requirements. They are enacted under Article 368 and play an important role in the evolution of Indian polity.

Constitutional Amendment Act	Year	Description
1st Constitutional Amendment Act 1951	1951	Introduced Article 15(4) to enable special provisions for socially and educationally backward classes, SCs and STs. It added the Ninth Schedule to protect certain laws from judicial review and introduced reasonable restrictions on freedom of speech under Article 19.
7th Constitutional Amendment Act 1956	1956	Implemented the recommendations of the States Reorganisation Commission. It reorganised states and introduced the present classification of states and union territories.
24th Constitutional Amendment Act 1971	1971	Confirmed the power of Parliament to amend any part of the Constitution, including Fundamental Rights. It amended Article 13 and Article 368 following the Supreme Court’s decision in the Golaknath case (1967).
25th Constitutional Amendment Act 1971	1971	Introduced Article 31C, giving protection to laws implementing certain Directive Principles of State Policy (Article 39(b) and 39(c)) against challenges based on Fundamental Rights.
26th Constitutional Amendment Act 1971	1971	Abolished the privy purses and privileges of former princely rulers and removed recognition of their titles.
36th Constitutional Amendment Act 1975	1975	Made Sikkim a full state of India and included it as the 22nd state in the Union.
42nd Constitutional Amendment Act 1976	1976	Known as the “Mini Constitution” due to wide-ranging changes. It added the words Socialist, Secular and Integrity to the Preamble, introduced Fundamental Duties under Article 51A and strengthened Directive Principles.
44th Constitutional Amendment Act 1978	1978	Reversed several Emergency-era changes introduced by the 42nd Amendment. It restored civil liberties, strengthened safeguards against misuse of emergency powers and removed the Right to Property from Fundamental Rights.
52nd Constitutional Amendment Act 1985	1985	Introduced the Tenth Schedule containing anti-defection provisions to prevent elected representatives from changing political parties for personal benefits.
61st Constitutional Amendment Act 1989	1989	Reduced the voting age from 21 years to 18 years by amending Article 326, increasing youth participation in democracy.
69th Constitutional Amendment Act 1991	1991	Provided special status to Delhi by creating the National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi with a Legislative Assembly and Council of Ministers.
73rd Constitutional Amendment Act 1992	1992	Granted constitutional status to Panchayati Raj Institutions. It added Part IX, established Gram Sabhas, introduced regular elections and provided reservation for SCs, STs and women.
74th Constitutional Amendment Act 1992	1992	Granted constitutional status to Urban Local Bodies. It added Part IX-A and provided for municipalities, regular elections and reservation provisions.
86th Constitutional Amendment Act 2002	2002	Added Article 21A, making free and compulsory education a Fundamental Right for children aged 6–14 years. It also modified Article 45 and added a duty of parents/guardians under Article 51A(k).
91st Constitutional Amendment Act 2003	2003	Limited the size of the Council of Ministers to 15% of the total strength of the Lok Sabha or State Assembly and strengthened anti-defection provisions.
97th Constitutional Amendment Act 2011	2011	Gave constitutional status to cooperative societies by adding Part IX-B. It promoted democratic functioning and professional management of cooperatives. (Partly struck down by the Supreme Court in 2021 regarding state cooperatives.)
101st Constitutional Amendment Act 2016	2016	Introduced the Goods and Services Tax (GST) by creating a unified indirect tax system. It established the GST Council under Article 279A.
102nd Constitutional Amendment Act 2018	2018	Granted constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes (NCBC) under Article 338B.
103rd Constitutional Amendment Act 2019	2019	Introduced 10% reservation for Economically Weaker Sections (EWS) by adding Articles 15(6) and 16(6).
104th Constitutional Amendment Act 2020	2020	Extended reservation of seats for SCs and STs in Lok Sabha and State Assemblies for another ten years. It ended the provision for Anglo-Indian nomination in legislatures.
105th Constitutional Amendment Act 2021	2021	Restored the power of states and union territories to identify Socially and Educationally Backward Classes (SEBCs) for their own reservation policies.
106th Constitutional Amendment Act (Nari Shakti Vandan Adhiniyam) 2023	2023	Provides for 33% reservation for women in the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies. Its implementation is linked with the completion of delimitation after the relevant census.

Judiciary and Criminal Justice Acts

These Acts provide the legal framework for the administration of justice, dispute resolution, criminal procedure and protection of legal rights. They aim to improve access to justice, ensure fair trials, reduce delays and modernise India’s judicial system.

Act	Year	Description
Legal Services Authorities Act 1987	1987	Enacted to provide free and competent legal services to weaker sections of society under Article 39A of the Constitution. It established the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA), State Legal Services Authorities and District Legal Services Authorities. It also gave statutory recognition to Lok Adalats for speedy and inexpensive settlement of disputes.
Arbitration and Conciliation Act 1996	1996	Provides a legal framework for domestic arbitration, international commercial arbitration and conciliation. It aims to promote alternative dispute resolution (ADR) mechanisms and reduce the burden on courts by enabling faster settlement of commercial disputes.
Protection of Human Rights Act 1993	1993	Provides for the establishment of the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) and State Human Rights Commissions to protect and promote human rights. It defines human rights as rights relating to life, liberty, equality and dignity guaranteed by the Constitution and international conventions.
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015	2015	Provides a framework for the care, protection, rehabilitation and social reintegration of children in conflict with law and children in need of care and protection. It established Juvenile Justice Boards and Child Welfare Committees and introduced provisions for adoption through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA).
Commercial Courts Act 2015	2015	Establishes specialised commercial courts for speedy resolution of commercial disputes of specified value. It aims to improve the ease of doing business by ensuring efficient settlement of business-related conflicts.
Mediation Act 2023	2023	Provides a statutory framework for mediation as an alternative dispute resolution mechanism. It promotes pre-litigation mediation, institutional mediation and recognition of mediated settlement agreements to reduce the burden on courts.
Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) 2023	2023	Replaces the Indian Penal Code (IPC), 1860 and introduces reforms in substantive criminal law. It reorganises criminal offences, introduces provisions related to organised crime and terrorism, and aims to modernise India’s criminal justice system.
Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita (BNSS) 2023	2023	Replaces the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), 1973 and governs criminal investigation, arrest, trial and judicial procedures. It introduces provisions related to the use of technology, electronic communication and faster criminal proceedings.
Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam (BSA) 2023	2023	Replaces the Indian Evidence Act, 1872 and modernises the law relating to evidence. It gives greater recognition to electronic and digital records as evidence in judicial proceedings.

Economy, Banking and Financial Acts

These Acts provide the legal foundation for India’s financial system, regulate banking and capital markets, ensure fiscal discipline, promote competition, improve corporate governance and strengthen mechanisms to deal with financial crimes and insolvency.

Act	Year	Description
Reserve Bank of India Act 1934	1934	Established the legal framework for the functioning of the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), which was set up in 1935. The Act defines RBI’s role as the authority responsible for monetary policy, currency management, regulation of banking and maintaining financial stability.
Banking Regulation Act 1949	1949	Provides the regulatory framework for banking companies in India. It empowers the RBI to supervise banks, issue banking licences, regulate management and protect the interests of depositors.
State Bank of India Act 1955	1955	Established the State Bank of India (SBI) by transforming the Imperial Bank of India into a public sector banking institution. It aimed to expand banking services, especially in rural and semi-urban areas.
Securities and Exchange Board of India (SEBI) Act 1992	1992	Established SEBI as the statutory regulator of India’s securities market. It aims to protect investors, regulate stock exchanges and promote the development of capital markets.
Foreign Exchange Management Act (FEMA) 1999	1999	Replaced the Foreign Exchange Regulation Act (FERA), 1973, and introduced a more liberal foreign exchange management system. It regulates foreign exchange transactions and facilitates external trade and payments.
Competition Act 2002	2002	Replaced the Monopolies and Restrictive Trade Practices (MRTP) Act, 1969. It aims to prevent anti-competitive practices, promote fair competition and protect consumer interests through the Competition Commission of India (CCI).
Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002	2002	Provides a legal framework to prevent money laundering and confiscate property derived from criminal activities. It established the Enforcement Directorate (ED) as the primary agency responsible for investigation under the Act.
Fiscal Responsibility and Budget Management (FRBM) Act 2003	2003	Introduced to ensure fiscal discipline by limiting excessive government borrowing and fiscal deficits. It requires the government to maintain transparency in fiscal management and present fiscal policy statements before Parliament.
Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development (MSMED) Act 2006	2006	Provides a legal framework for promoting and developing Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs). It defines MSME categories, supports their growth and provides mechanisms for resolving delayed payments.
Companies Act 2013	2013	Replaced the Companies Act, 1956, and provides a comprehensive framework for corporate governance, incorporation, management and regulation of companies. It introduced concepts such as Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), independent directors and stronger disclosure requirements.
Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) 2016	2016	Establishes a time-bound process for resolving insolvency of companies, firms and individuals. It created the Corporate Insolvency Resolution Process (CIRP) and strengthened institutions such as the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) and Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI).
Goods and Services Tax (GST) Act 2017	2017	Introduced a unified indirect tax system by replacing multiple central and state taxes. It created a common national market and is governed through the GST Council under Article 279A of the Constitution.
Fugitive Economic Offenders Act 2018	2018	Provides a mechanism to confiscate properties of individuals who commit economic offences involving large amounts and escape from India to avoid prosecution. It aims to strengthen action against financial fraud and economic crimes.

Agriculture and Food Security Acts

These Acts provide the legal framework for agricultural production, food security, farmers’ rights, regulation of essential commodities and protection of agricultural resources. They aim to ensure availability of food, improve farmers’ welfare and regulate agricultural markets.

Act	Year	Description
Essential Commodities Act 1955	1955	Enacted to regulate the production, supply, distribution and pricing of essential commodities to prevent hoarding and black marketing. It empowers the government to control the supply of commodities such as food grains, pulses, edible oils and other essential items during periods of shortage.
Insecticides Act	1968	Regulates the import, manufacture, sale, transport, distribution and use of insecticides to prevent risks to human health, animals and the environment. It provides for registration and quality control of pesticides.
Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Act, 2001	2001	Provides protection to plant varieties and recognises the rights of farmers as plant breeders and conservers. It established the Protection of Plant Varieties and Farmers’ Rights Authority (PPV&FRA) and balances intellectual property protection with farmers’ traditional rights.
National Food Security Act (NFSA)	2013	Converts food security programmes into a legal entitlement by providing subsidised food grains to around two-thirds of India’s population. It covers priority households and provides nutritional support through schemes such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), Mid-Day Meal Scheme and Integrated Child Development Services (ICDS).

Environment, Forest and Biodiversity Acts

These Acts provide the legal framework for conservation of forests, wildlife, biodiversity and natural resources. They aim to balance economic development with environmental protection by regulating pollution, protecting ecosystems and ensuring sustainable use of natural resources.

Act	Year	Description
Indian Forest Act 1927	1927	One of the oldest forest legislations in India, enacted during the colonial period. It provides a framework for the classification and management of forests, including Reserved Forests, Protected Forests and Village Forests, and regulates the use and movement of forest produce.
Wild Life (Protection) Act 1972	1972	Provides legal protection to wild animals, birds and plants and establishes a framework for conservation of species and habitats. It enabled the creation of Protected Areas such as National Parks, Wildlife Sanctuaries and Conservation Reserves and established the National Board for Wildlife (NBWL).
Water (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1974	1974	Enacted to prevent and control water pollution and maintain the quality of water resources. It established the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and State Pollution Control Boards (SPCBs) to monitor and regulate pollution.
Forest (Conservation) Act 1980	1980	Enacted to regulate the diversion of forest land for non-forest purposes. It requires prior approval of the Central Government before using forest land for activities such as mining, industries and infrastructure development.
Air (Prevention and Control of Pollution) Act 1981	1981	Provides measures for prevention, control and reduction of air pollution. It empowers CPCB and SPCBs to set emission standards and regulate industrial pollution sources.
Environment (Protection) Act 1986	1986	An umbrella legislation enacted after the Bhopal Gas Tragedy (1984) to provide comprehensive protection of the environment. It empowers the Central Government to regulate industrial activities, set environmental standards and issue rules for pollution control, including EIA Notification and coastal regulation measures.
Biological Diversity Act 2002	2002	Enacted to conserve biological diversity, promote sustainable utilisation of biological resources and ensure fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from their use. It established the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA), State Biodiversity Boards and Biodiversity Management Committees.
Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act (Forest Rights Act) 2006	2006	Recognises the rights of forest-dwelling Scheduled Tribes and traditional forest communities over forest land and resources. It provides individual and community forest rights and empowers Gram Sabhas in the process of recognising these rights.
National Green Tribunal Act 2010	2010	Established the National Green Tribunal (NGT) for effective and speedy disposal of environmental cases. It applies principles such as sustainable development, precautionary principle and polluter pays principle in environmental decision-making.
Compensatory Afforestation Fund Act (CAMPA Act) 2016	2016	Provides a legal framework for utilisation of funds collected from industries and agencies for diversion of forest land. These funds are used for compensatory afforestation, forest regeneration and wildlife conservation activities.
Biological Diversity Act Amendment 2023	2023	Amended the Biological Diversity Act, 2002 to simplify certain compliance requirements, promote sustainable use of biological resources and encourage greater participation of industries in biodiversity-related activities while maintaining conservation objectives.

Women and Child Welfare Acts

These Acts provide legal protection against discrimination, exploitation and violence faced by women and children. They aim to promote gender equality, ensure child protection, strengthen family welfare and safeguard the dignity and rights of vulnerable sections of society.

Act	Year	Description
Dowry Prohibition Act 1961	1961	Prohibits the giving and taking of dowry in connection with marriage. It provides penalties for demanding, giving or accepting dowry and aims to address economic exploitation and violence against women related to dowry practices.
Maternity Benefit Act 1961	1961	Provides maternity benefits and employment protection to women workers. It ensures paid maternity leave, safeguards employment during pregnancy and promotes the participation of women in the workforce. The 2017 amendment increased paid maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for eligible women employees.
Medical Termination of Pregnancy (MTP) Act 1971	1971 (Amended 2021)	Provides a legal framework for termination of certain pregnancies under specified conditions. The 2021 amendment expanded access to safe abortion services, increased the upper gestation limit for certain categories and strengthened confidentiality provisions.
Pre-Conception and Pre-Natal Diagnostic Techniques (Prohibition of Sex Selection) Act (PCPNDT Act) 1994	1994	Prohibits sex selection and regulates prenatal diagnostic techniques to prevent female foeticide. It restricts misuse of technologies such as ultrasound for determining the sex of the foetus and provides penalties for violations.
Protection of Women from Domestic Violence Act 2005	2005	Provides civil remedies and protection to women facing physical, emotional, sexual or economic abuse within domestic relationships. It allows women to seek protection orders, residence rights and monetary relief.
Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006	2006	Replaced the Child Marriage Restraint Act, 1929, and aims to prevent child marriages. It declares marriages involving minors voidable under certain conditions and provides punishment for those involved in conducting or promoting child marriage.
Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act 2012	2012	Provides comprehensive protection to children below 18 years from sexual assault, sexual harassment and pornography. It establishes child-friendly procedures for reporting, investigation and trial of offences.
Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition and Redressal) Act 2013	2013	Enacted to prevent and address sexual harassment of women at workplaces. It provides for the establishment of Internal Complaints Committees (ICC) in organisations and lays down procedures for inquiry and redressal.
Criminal Law (Amendment) Act 2013	2013	Introduced significant changes in laws related to crimes against women after the 2012 Delhi gang rape case. It expanded the definition of sexual offences, increased punishments and introduced offences such as stalking and voyeurism.
Juvenile Justice (Care and Protection of Children) Act 2015	2015	Provides a framework for children in conflict with law and children needing care and protection. It establishes Juvenile Justice Boards, Child Welfare Committees and regulates adoption through the Central Adoption Resource Authority (CARA).
Muslim Women (Protection of Rights on Marriage) Act 2019	2019	Declares the practice of instant triple talaq (talaq-e-biddat) void and illegal. It provides legal protection to Muslim women and makes the pronouncement of instant triple talaq a punishable offence.
Surrogacy (Regulation) Act 2021	2021	Regulates surrogacy practices in India by allowing only altruistic surrogacy under specified conditions. It aims to prevent exploitation of surrogate mothers and ensure ethical practices.
Assisted Reproductive Technology (Regulation) Act 2021	2021	Regulates assisted reproductive technology services such as IVF clinics and ART banks. It establishes standards for safe and ethical reproductive services and provides for regulatory authorities.

These Acts provide the legal framework for regulating employment conditions, industrial relations, wages, workplace safety and social security benefits for workers. Recent reforms aim to simplify multiple labour laws by consolidating them into four labour codes

Act	Year	Description
Trade Unions Act 1926	1926	Provides legal recognition and regulation of trade unions in India. It defines the rights and responsibilities of registered trade unions and provides protection to workers involved in legitimate union activities.
Factories Act 1948	1948	Regulates working conditions in factories and aims to ensure the health, safety and welfare of workers. It includes provisions related to working hours, workplace safety, cleanliness, hazardous processes and welfare facilities.
Industrial Disputes Act 1947	1947	Provides mechanisms for prevention and settlement of industrial disputes between employers and workers. It establishes institutions such as Labour Courts, Industrial Tribunals and National Tribunals for dispute resolution.
Minimum Wages Act 1948	1948	Provides for fixation and revision of minimum wages by governments for certain categories of employment. It aims to protect workers from exploitation and ensure a basic standard of living.
Employees’ State Insurance Act (ESI Act) 1948	1948	Provides social security benefits to workers in the form of medical care, sickness benefits, maternity benefits and employment injury compensation through the Employees’ State Insurance Corporation (ESIC).
Employees’ Provident Funds and Miscellaneous Provisions Act 1952	1952	Provides retirement benefits to employees through provident fund, pension and insurance schemes. It established the Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation (EPFO) for managing these benefits.
Maternity Benefit Act 1961	1961 (Amended 2017)	Provides paid maternity leave and employment protection to women employees. The 2017 amendment increased maternity leave from 12 weeks to 26 weeks for eligible women workers.
Code on Wages 2019	2019	Consolidates four labour laws relating to wages: Minimum Wages Act, Payment of Wages Act, Payment of Bonus Act and Equal Remuneration Act. It provides a uniform definition of wages and aims to ensure timely payment and minimum wage protection.
Industrial Relations Code 2020	2020	Consolidates laws related to trade unions, industrial disputes and employment conditions. It provides a framework for registration of trade unions, standing orders and dispute resolution mechanisms.
Occupational Safety, Health and Working Conditions Code 2020	2020	Consolidates laws related to workplace safety, health standards and working conditions. It covers factories, mines, construction workers, migrant workers and other categories of employees.
Code on Social Security 2020	2020	Consolidates various social security laws relating to provident fund, insurance, maternity benefits, gratuity and welfare schemes. It also extends coverage to gig workers and platform workers.

Science, Technology and Digital Governance Acts

These Acts provide the legal framework for regulating emerging technologies, digital services, cybersecurity, data protection, nuclear energy and innovation. They aim to promote technological development while ensuring security, privacy and responsible use of technology.

Act	Year	Description
Atomic Energy Act 1962	1962	Provides the legal framework for the development, control and use of atomic energy in India. It gives the Central Government exclusive authority over atomic energy-related activities, including nuclear power generation, radioactive substances and nuclear research.
Information Technology (IT) Act 2000	2000	India’s first major law dealing with cyberspace and digital transactions. It provides legal recognition to electronic records and digital signatures, defines cyber offences and establishes a framework for regulating electronic communication.
Patents Act 1970	1970 (Amended 2005)	Provides the legal framework for granting and protecting patents in India. The 2005 amendment introduced product patents in areas such as pharmaceuticals, aligning India’s intellectual property regime with the TRIPS Agreement of the World Trade Organization.
Copyright Act 1957	1957	Protects original literary, artistic, musical and software works by granting creators exclusive rights over their creations. It provides legal protection against unauthorised use and reproduction of copyrighted works.
Geographical Indications of Goods (Registration and Protection) Act 1999	1999	Provides protection to products associated with a specific geographical origin and traditional characteristics. It helps preserve local heritage and provides economic benefits to producers through GI registration.
Aadhaar Act 2016	2016	Provides legal recognition to Aadhaar-based identification using demographic and biometric information. It enables digital delivery of government services and subsidies through identity authentication.
Digital Personal Data Protection Act 2023	2023	Provides a legal framework for processing digital personal data in India. It defines the rights of individuals regarding their data, obligations of data fiduciaries and establishes the Data Protection Board of India for enforcement.
Telecommunications Act 2023	2023	Replaces major provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act, 1885 and Indian Wireless Telegraphy Act, 1933. It provides a modern regulatory framework for telecommunications, spectrum management, licensing and user protection.

Internal Security and National Security Acts

These Acts provide the legal framework to address threats related to terrorism, organised crime, narcotics, unlawful activities, economic offences and maintenance of public order. They aim to balance national security requirements with constitutional safeguards and individual rights.

Act	Year	Description
Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) 1958	1958	Provides special powers to the armed forces in areas declared as “disturbed areas” under the Act. It allows authorised personnel to carry out operations, including search, arrest and use of force, to maintain public order and counter insurgency.
Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act (UAPA) 1967	1967	India’s primary anti-terror legislation that deals with unlawful associations and terrorist activities. It empowers the government to declare organisations as unlawful or terrorist organisations and provides legal provisions for investigation and prosecution of terrorism-related offences.
Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act 1985	1985	Provides a comprehensive framework for controlling and regulating narcotic drugs and psychotropic substances. It prohibits production, possession, sale and trafficking of illegal drugs while allowing controlled use for medical and scientific purposes.
National Security Act (NSA) 1980	1980	Provides for preventive detention to maintain public order and national security. It allows authorities to detain individuals to prevent actions considered harmful to security, public order or essential services.
Essential Commodities Act 1955	1955	Although mainly an economic law, it has internal security relevance as it enables the government to regulate essential goods during shortages, prevent hoarding and maintain public order.
Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) 2002	2002	Provides measures to prevent money laundering and confiscate property derived from criminal activities. It strengthens action against financial crimes that can support organised crime and terrorism.
National Investigation Agency (NIA) Act 2008	2008	Established the National Investigation Agency (NIA) as a central agency to investigate and prosecute offences affecting national security, including terrorism and organised crimes.
Benami Transactions (Prohibition) Amendment Act 2016	2016	Strengthens the legal framework against benami property transactions, where property is held in one person’s name but financed by another person to conceal ownership. It provides for confiscation of benami properties.

Latest UPSC Exam 2026 Updates

Last updated on July, 2026

→ UPSC Prelims Result 2026 is now out.

→ UPSC IFoS Prelims Result 2026 is now out.

→ Enroll in Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mains Test Series 2026 for structured answer writing practice, expert evaluation, and exam-oriented feedback.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mentorship Program 2026 for personalized guidance, strategy planning, and one-to-one support from experienced mentors.

→ Join Vajiram & Ravi’s UPSC Mentorship Program 2027 for personalized guidance, strategy planning, and one-to-one support from experienced mentors.

→ UPSC Prelims Provisional Answer Key 2026 out for GS Paper 1 and CSAT.

→ UPSC Prelims Question Paper 2026 Out, Download GS Paper 1 PDF conducted on 24th May 2026.

→ UPSC Mains 2026 will be conducted from 21st August 2026 onwards, and UPSC Prelims 2027 will be held on 23rd May 2027.

→ UPSC Final Result 2025 is now out.

→ UPSC has released UPSC Toppers List 2025 with the Civil Services final result on its official website.

→ Anuj Agnihotri secured AIR 1 in the UPSC Civil Services Examination 2025.

→ UPSC Notification 2026 & UPSC IFoS Notification 2026 is now out on the official website at upsconline.nic.in.

→ UPSC Calendar 2027 has been released.

→ Check out the latest UPSC Syllabus 2026 here.

→ The UPSC Selection Process is of 3 stages-Prelims, Mains and Interview.

→ Shakti Dubey secures AIR 1 in UPSC CSE Exam 2024.

→ Also check Best UPSC Coaching in India