PYQs
8
Articles
1
Momentum
21
Examines the balance between national security and human rights, federalism (Centre's role in state law & order), and the effectiveness of special laws in conflict resolution.
The Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) is a parliamentary act that grants special powers to the Indian Armed Forces in "disturbed areas." It was enacted in 1958 to enable the armed forces to maintain public order in regions facing insurgency or internal disturbances.
Enactment
Passed in 1958, initially for Assam and Manipur.
Powers Granted
Grants powers to search, arrest without warrant, and use force even to the extent of causing death, if deemed necessary, against individuals acting in contravention of law.
Disturbed Area Declaration
Declared by the Central Government or the Governor of a State, typically for a period of three months.
Controversy
Criticized for alleged human rights violations, lack of accountability, and its impact on civil liberties.
Static syllabus anchors
| Type | Reference |
|---|---|
| Conceptual area | Indian Polity & Governance |
Institutions & roles
| Body | Role |
|---|---|
| Ministry of Home Affairs | Declares disturbed areas |
Prelims angle: Factual recall
Prelims angle: Conceptual understanding
Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule...
With reference to the Government of India, consider the following information: | Organization | Some of its Functions | It Works Under | |--...
Consider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule...
With reference to the Government of India, consider the following information: | Organization | Some of its Functions | It Works Under | |--...
With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements : 1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards act and Rules of the Central Government. 2...
Consider the following organizations/bodies in India: 1. The National Commission for Backward Classes 2. The National Human Rights Commission 3. The Nationa...
With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements : 1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards act and Rules of the Central Government. 2...
Consider the following organizations/bodies in India: 1. The National Commission for Backward Classes 2. The National Human Rights Commission 3. The Nationa...
With reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements : 1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards act and Rules of the Central Government. 2...
Open questionConsider the following organizations/bodies in India: 1. The National Commission for Backward Classes 2. The National Human Rights Commission 3. The Nationa...
Open questionWith reference to Home Guards, consider the following statements : 1. Home Guards are raised under the Home Guards act and Rules of the Central Government. 2...
Open questionConsider the following organizations/bodies in India: 1. The National Commission for Backward Classes 2. The National Human Rights Commission 3. The Nationa...
Open questionConsider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule...
Open questionWith reference to the Government of India, consider the following information: | Organization | Some of its Functions | It Works Under | |--...
Open questionConsider the following statements: With reference to the Constitution of India, if an area in a State is declared as Scheduled Area under the Fifth Schedule...
Open questionWith reference to the Government of India, consider the following information: | Organization | Some of its Functions | It Works Under | |--...
Open questionWill remove AFSPA from Northeast barring one or two States next year: Shah
12 Jun 2026 · AFSPA is a controversial law granting special powers to armed forces in disturbed areas, raising questions about human rights, accountability, and federal relations.
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Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA)
UPSC has asked 8 linked questions on Armed Forces (Special Powers) Act (AFSPA) in Mains. Write an answer to one — and get it evaluated.
