Central Act | National Security Law

Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (UAPA)

The Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act, 1967 (Act No. 37 of 1967) is a Central law dealing with unlawful activities of individuals and associations, terrorist activities, terrorist organisations, proceeds of terrorism and connected matters. It was enacted on 30 December 1967 and applies throughout India.

Act Number37 of 1967
Enactment Date30 December 1967
Chapters7 Chapters
Current StructureSections 1-53 + 4 Schedules
Current-law note: The official Government of India sources presently publish the principal UAPA together with the Amendment Acts of 2004, 2008, 2012 and 2019. Notifications, declarations, schedules and implementation orders can change independently, so the official links in the right-hand panel should be checked for the latest operative position.

Purpose and scope of the UAPA

The Act was enacted to provide for the more effective prevention of certain unlawful activities of individuals and associations and, following later amendments, to deal with terrorist activities and related matters. Its framework covers declaration of unlawful associations, offences and penalties, terrorist acts, terrorist organisations, forfeiture of proceeds of terrorism, investigation-related provisions and miscellaneous powers and safeguards.

UAPA Chapters and Section-wise Links

Chapter I - Preliminary

Short title, extent, application and definitions.

Sections 1-2

Chapter II - Unlawful Associations

Declaration of associations as unlawful, Tribunal procedure, duration and cancellation of notifications, funds and notified places.

Sections 3-5 Sections 6-9

Chapter III - Offences and Penalties

Penalties relating to unlawful associations, their funds, notified places and unlawful activities.

Sections 10-14

Chapter IV - Punishment for Terrorist Activities

Definition and punishment of terrorist acts, terror funding, conspiracy, camps, recruitment, harbouring, membership and related offences.

Sections 15-16 Sections 17-18B Sections 19-22 Sections 22A-23

Chapter V - Forfeiture of Proceeds of Terrorism or Property Intended for Terrorism

Attachment, seizure, forfeiture, claims, management and related procedures concerning proceeds of terrorism or property intended to be used for terrorism.

Sections 24-25 Sections 26-27 Sections 28-32 Sections 33-34

Chapter VI - Terrorist Organisations

Listing and de-listing of terrorist organisations and individuals, review mechanisms, membership, support and fund-raising offences.

Sections 35-37 Sections 38-40

Chapter VII - Miscellaneous

Continuance of associations, investigation powers, arrest and search provisions, modified procedural rules, sanction, protection of witnesses, admissibility, overriding effect, section 51A measures, rule-making and related matters.

Sections 41-43 Sections 43A-43F Sections 44-46 Sections 47-50 Sections 51-53

Important UAPA topics

Important provisions include section 3 on declaration of an association as unlawful; sections 15 and 16 on terrorist acts and punishment; sections 17 to 23 on terror funding and related offences; sections 35 to 40 on terrorist organisations and specified individuals; section 43D on modified application of procedural provisions; section 45 on cognizance and sanction; and section 51A on specified Central Government powers.

Legal information: This page is a structured guide to the Act and its section-wise pages. For litigation, prosecution, bail, sanction, designation, attachment or forfeiture issues, verify the exact text of the Act, schedules, rules and the latest Gazette/MHA notifications applicable on the relevant date.