Current Affairs - Bills and Acts - Discussion

The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act, commonly known as AFSPA, was enacted in 1958 to address the escalating internal security challenges in the northeastern states of India. The Act grants extraordinary powers to the armed forces in areas declared as “disturbed,” including the authority to use force, arrest without a warrant, and conduct searches. Its purpose was to provide legal backing to military operations where civil administration struggled to maintain order. The act also includes legal immunity provisions, requiring prior Central Government approval before prosecution of armed personnel. Over time, AFSPA has been extended to various conflict-affected regions, often sparking debates over human rights.