The Explosives Act, 1884

 

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THE EXPLOSIVES ACT, 1884 

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ARRANGEMENT OF SECTIONS 

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SECTIONS 

1. Short title.  

 Local extent. 

2. Commencement. 

3. [Repealed.]. 

4. Definitions. 

5. Power to make rules as to licensing of the manufacture, possession, use, sale, transport and 

import and Export of explosives. 

5A. Persons already in business in respect of certain explosives to carry on such business without 

licence for a certain period. 

6. Power for Central Government to prohibit the manufacture, possession or importation of 

specially dangerous explosives. 

6A. Prohibition of manufacture, possession, sale or transport of explosives by young persons and 

certain other persons. 

6B. Grant of licences. 

6C. Refusal of licences. 

6D. Licensing authority competent to impose conditions in addition to prescribed condi-

tions. 

6E. Variation, suspension and revocation of licences.  

6F. Appeals. 

7. Power to make rules conferring powers of inspection, search, seizure, detention and removal. 

8. Notice of accidents. 

9. Inquiry into accidents. 

9A. Inquiry into more serious accidents.  

9B.    Punishment for certain offences. 

9C.    Offences by companies. 

10. Forfeiture of explosives. 

11. Distress of aircraft or vessel. 

12. Abetment and attempts. 

13. Power to arrest without warrant persons committing dangerous offences. 

14. Saving and power to exempt.  

15. Saving of Arms Act, 1959. 

16. Saving as to liability under other law. 

17. Extension of definition of “explosive” to other explosive substances.  

17A. Power to delegate. 

18. Procedure for making, publication and confirmation of rules.  

 



 

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THE EXPLOSIVES ACT, 1884  

ACT NO. 4 OF 18841 

[26th February, 1884.] 

An Act to regulate the manufacture, possession, use, sale, 2[transport, import and 

export] of explosives. 

WHEREAS it is expedient to regulate the manufacture, possession, use, sale, 2[transport, import and 

export] of explosives; It is hereby enacted as follows:— 

1. Short title.—(1) This Act may be called the 3*** Explosives Act, 1884; and  

(2) Local extent.—It extends to whole India 4** 

2.Commencement.—(1) This Act shall come into force on such day, 5as the Central Government, by 

notification in the Official Gazette, appoints. 

6*                  *                  *                  *                  * 

3. [Repeal of portions of Act 12 of 1875.] Rep. by the Indian Ports Act, 1889 (10 of 1889)7, s. 2 

and the Second Schedule. 

8[4. Definitions.—In this Act, unless the context otherwise requires,— 

(a) “aircraft” means any machine which can derive support in the atmosphere from the reactions 

of the air, other than the reactions of the air against the earth's surface, and includes balloons, whether 

fixed or free, airships, kites, gliders and flying machines; 

(b) “carriage” includes any carriage, wagon, cart, truck, vehicle or other means of conveying 

goods or passengers by land, in whatever manner the same may be propelled, 

(c) “District Magistrate”, in relation to any area for which a Commissioner of Police has been 

appointed, means the Commissioner of Police thereof and includes—  

(a) any such Deputy Commissioner of Police, exercising jurisdiction over the whole or any 

part of such area, as may be specified by the State Government in this behalf in relation to such 

area or part; and 

(b) an Additional District Magistrate; 

(d) “explosive” means gunpowder, nitoglycerine, nitroglycol, gun-cotton, di-nitro-toluene, 

tri-nitro-toluene, picric acid, di-nitro-phenol, tri-nitro-resorcinol (styphnic acid), cyclo-trime-

                                                      

1. This Act has been declared, under s. 3 (a)of the Scheduled Districts Act, 1874 (14 of 1874), to be in force in 

the Districts of Hazaribagh,Lohardaga (now called the Ranchi District—see Calcutta Gazette, 1899, Pt, I, p.44) 

Palamau and Manbhum and in ParganaDhalbhum and the K.olhan in the Singhbhum District of the Chota 

Nagpur Division—See Gazette of India, 1896, Pt. I .p. 972. 

It has been applied to the SonthalParganas under s. 3 of the SonthalParganas Settlement Regulation (3 of 1872), 

as amended by the SonthalParganas Laws Regulation, 1886 (3 of 1886), and by s. 3 of Regulation 3 of 1899, and 

to Porahat Estate by Bihar Regulation (2 of 1946). 

For the law relating to explosive substances, see also the Explosive Substances Act, 1908 (6 of 1908). 

The Act has been extended to Goa, Daman and Diu with modifications, by Reg. 12 of 1962, s. 3 and Sch.,  

(w.e.f. 1-2-1965) extended to and brought into force in Dadra and Nagar Haveli by Reg. 6of 1963, s. 2 and Sch. 

(w.e.f. 1-7-1965) and to the whole of the Union territory of Lakshadweep by Reg. 8 of 1965, s. 3 and Sch. I 

(w.e.f. 1-10-1967). 

The Act comes into force in Pondicherry on 1-10-1963 vide Reg. 7 of 1963, s. 3 and Sch. I.  
2. Subs. by Act 32 of 1978, s. 2, for “transport and importation” (w.e.f. 2-3-1983). 
3. The word “Indian” omitted by s. 3, ibid. (w.e.f. 7-3-1983). 
4. The words and letter “except Part B States” omitted by Act 3 of 1951, s. 3 and the Schedule                     

(w.e.f. 1-4-1951). 
5. 1st July, 1887—see Gazette of India, 1887, Pt. I, p. 307 

6.Sub-section (2) rep. by Act 12 of 1891, s. 2 and  the First Schedule.  

7. Rep. by the Indian Ports Act, 1908 (15 of 1908). 

8. Subs. by Act 32 of 1978, s. 4. for section 4 (w.e.f. 2 -3-1983).  



 

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thylene-trinitramine, penta-erythritol-tetranitrate, tetryl, nitro-guanidine, leadazide, lead 

styphynate, fulminate of mercury or any other metal, diazo -di-nitro-phenol, coloured fires 

or any other substance whether a single chemical compound or a mixture of substances, 

whether solid or liquid or gaseous used or manufactured with a view to produce a practical 

effect by explosion or pyrotechnic effect; and includes fog-signals, fireworks, fuses, 

rockets, percussion-caps, detonators, cartidges, ammunition of all descriptions and every 

adaptation or preparation of an explosive as defined in this clause;  

(e) “export” means taking out of India to a place outside India by land, sea or  air; 

(f) “import” means to bring into India from a place outside India by land, sea or air;  

(g) “master”,— 

(a) in relation to any vessel or aircraft means any person, other than a pilot, harbour 

master, assistant harbour master or berthing master, having for the time being the 

charge or control of such vessel or aircraft, as the ease may be; and  

(b) in relation to any boat belonging to a ship, means the master of that ship; 

(h) “manufacture” in relation to an explosive includes the process of—  

(1) dividing the explosive into its component parts or otherwise breaking up or 

unmaking the explosive, or making fit for use any damaged explosive; and  

(2) re-making, altering or repairing the explosive; 

(i) “prescribed - means prescribed by rules made under this Act;  

(j) “vessel” includes any ship, boat, sailing vessel, or other description of vessel used in 

navigation whether propelled by oars or otherwise and anything made for the conveyance, 

mainly by water, of human beings or of goods and a caisson.]  

5. Power to make rules as to licensing of the manufacture, possession, use, sale, 

transport, import and export of explosives.—(1) The Central Government may for any part of 
1[India],2*** make rules3 consistent with this Act to regulate or prohibit, except under and in 

accordance with the conditions of a licence granted as provided by those rules, the manuf acture, 

possession, use, sale, 4[transport, import and export] of explosives, or any specified c lass of 

explosives. 

(2) Rules under this section may provide for all or any of the following, among other matters, that is 

to say:—  

(a) the authority by which licenses may be granted;  

(b) the fees to be charged for licenses, and the other sums (if any) to be paid for expenses by 

applicants for licenses; 

(c) the manner in which applications for licenses must be made, and the matters to be specified 

in such applications; 

(d) the form in which, and the conditions on and subject to which, licenses must be 

granted; 

(e )  t he  pe r iod  fo r  which  l i censes  a re  t o  rema in  in  fo rce ; 5*** 

6[(ee) the authority to which appeals may be preferred under section 6F, the procedure to 

be followed by such authority and the period within which appeals shall be preferred, the fees 

                                                      
1. Subs. by Act 3 of 1951, s. 3 and Schedule, for “Part A States and Part C States” (w.e.f. 1-4-1951). 
2. The words “and each Local Government, with the previous sanction of the Governor, General in Council, may for any part of 

the territories under its administration” omitted by the A.O. 1937. 
3. For the Explosive Rules, 1940, made under s. 5 and 7, see Gazette of India, Extra., 1940, p. 749. 
4. Subs. by Act 32 of 1978, s. 5, for “transport and importation” (w.e.f. 2-3-1983). 
5. The word “and” omitted by s. 5, ibid. (w.e.f. 2-3-1983). 
6. Ins. by Act 32 of 1978, s. 5. (w.e.f.  2-3-1983).  



 

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to be paid in respect of such appeals and the circumstances under which such fees may be 

refunded; 

(eea) the total quantity of explosives that a licensee can purchase in a given period of 

time; 

(eeb) the fees to be charged by the Chief Controller of Explosives or any officer authorised by 

him in this behalf, for services rendered in connection with the manufacture, transport, import or 

export of explosives;] 

(f) the exemption absolutely or subject to conditions of any explosives 1[or any person or class of 

persons] from the operation of the rules. 

2*          *          *          *          *  

3 [5A. Persons already in business in respect of certain explosives to carry  on such 

business without licence for a certain period .—Notwithstanding anything in section 5 or in the 

rules made thereunder where, immediately before the commencement of the Indian Explosives 

(Amendment) Act, 1978 (32 of 1978), any person was carrying on the business of manufacture, 

sale, transport, import or export of any explosive [for which no licence was required under this 

Act before its amendment by the Indian Explosives (Amendment) Act, 1978], then, such person 

shall be entitled to continue to carry on such business without licence in respect of such 

explosive— 

(a) for a period of three months from the date of such commencement; or  

(b) if before the expiry of the said period of three months, such person has made an application 

for grant of licence under this Act for such business in such explosive, until the final disposal of his 

application, 

whichever is later.] 

6. Power for Central Government to prohibit the manufacture, possession or importation of 

specially dangerous explosives.—(1) Notwithstanding anything in the rules under the last foregoing 

section, the Central Government may, from time to time, by notification in the Official Gazette,—  

(a) prohibit, either absolutely or subject to conditions, the manufacture, possession or 

importation of any explosive which is of so dangerous a character that, in the opinion of the 

Central Government, it is expedient for the public safety to issue the notification ; 4***. 

5*               *              *            *               * 

6[(2) The Customs Act, 1962 (52 of 1962) shall have effect in relation to any explosive with 

regard to the importation of which a notification has been issued under this section and the vessel, 

carriage or aircraft containing such explosive as that Act has in relation to any art icle the 

importation of which is prohibited or regulated thereunder and the vessel, carriage  or aircraft 

containing such article.]. 

7*    *    *   *             * 

8[6A. Prohibition of manufacture, possession, sale or transport of explosives by young persons 

and certain other persons.—Notwithstanding anything in the foregoing provisions of this Act,—  

(a) no person,— 

                                                      
1. Ins. by Act 32 of 1978, s. 5 (w.e.f. 2-3-1983). 

2. Sub-section (3) omitted by s. 5, ibid. (w.e.f. 2-3-1983). 

3. Ins. by s. 6, ibid. (w.e.f. 2-3-1983). 

4. The word “and” and cl. (b) rep. by Act 10 of 1914, s. 3 and II Schedule. 

5. Cl (b) rep. by s. 3 and the Second Schedule, ibid. 

6. Subs. by Act 32 of 1978, s. 7, for sub-section (2)(w.e.f. 2-3-1983). 

7. Sub-section (3) omitted by s. 7, ibid. (w.e.f. 2-3-1983). 

8. Ins. by s. 8, ibid. (w.e.f. 2-3-1983). 

 



 

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(i) who has not completed the age of eighteen years, or  

(ii) who has been sentenced on conviction of any offence involving violence or moral 

turpitude for a term not less than six months, at any time during a period of five years after the 

expiration of the sentence, or 

(iii) who has been ordered to execute under Chapter VIII of the Code of  

Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974), a bond for keeping the peace or for good 

behaviour, at any time during the term of the bond., or 

(iv) whose licence under this Act has been cancelled, whether before Or  after the 

commencement of the Indian Explosives (Amendment) Act, 1978 (32 of 1978), for 

contravention of the provisions of this Act or of the rules made thereunder, at any time 

during a period of five years from the date of cancellation of such licence,  shall ,— 

(1) manufacture, sell, transport, import or export any explosive, or  

(2) possess any such explosive as the Central Government may, having regard to 

the nature thereof, by notification in the Official Gazette, specify;  

(b) no person shall sell, deliver or despatch any explosive to a person whom he knows 

or has reason to believe at the time of such sale, delivery or despatch, — 

(i) to be prohibited under clause (a) to manufacture, sell, transport, import, export or possess 

such explosive, or 

(ii) to be of unsound mind.  

6B. Grant of licences.—(1) Where a person makes an application for licence under                      

section 5, the authority prescribed in the rules made under that section for grant of licences  

(hereinafter referred to in this Act as the licensing authority), after making such inquiry, if any, 

as it may consider necessary, shall, subject to the other provisions of this Act, by order in writing 

either grant the licence or refuse to grant the same. 

(2) The licensing authority shall grant a licence— 

(a) where it is required for the purpose of manufacture. of explosives if the licensing 

authority is satisfied that the person by whom license is required — 

(i) possesses technical know-how and experience in the manufacture of explosives; 

or 

(ii) has in his employment or undertakes to employ a person or persons possessing such 

technical know-how and experience; or 

(b) where it is required for any other purpose, if the licensing authority is satisfied that the person 

by whom licence is required has a good reason for obtaining the same. 

6C. Refusal of licences.—(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in section 6B, the licensing 

authority shall refuse to grant a licence—  

(a) where such licence is required in respect of any prohibited explosive; or  

(b) where such licence is required by a person whom the licensing authority has reason to 

believe—  

(i) to be prohibited by this Act or by any other law for the time being in force to  

manufacture, possess, sell, transport. import or export any explosive, or  

(ii) to be of unsound mind, or  

(iii) to be for any reason unfit for a licence under this Act; or  

(c) where the licensing authority deems it necessary for the security of the public peace or for 

public safety to refuse to grant such licence. 



 

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(2) Where the licensing authority refuses to grant a licence  to any person it shall record in 

writing the reasons for such refusal and furnish to that person on demand a brief statement of the 

same unless in any case the licensing authority is of opinion that it will not be in the public 

interest to furnish such statement. 

6D. Licensing authority competent to impose conditions in addition to prescribed 

conditions.—A licence granted under section 6B may contain in addition to prescribed 

conditions such other conditions as may be considered necessary by the licensing authority in 

any particular case. 

6E. Variation, suspension and revocation of licences.—(1) The licensing authority may vary the 

conditions subject to which a licence has been granted except such of them as have been prescribed and 

may for that purpose require the holder of licence by notice in writing to deliver-up the licence to it within 

such time asmay be specified in the notice. 

(2)The licensing authority may, on the application of the holder of a licence, also vary the conditions 

of the licence except such of them as have been prescribed. 

(3) The licensing authority may, by order in writing, suspend a licence for such period as it thinks fit 

or revoke a licence,—  

(a) if the licensing authority is satisfied that the holder of the licence is prohibited by this Act or 

by any other law for the time being in force to manufacture, possess, sell, transport, import or export 

any explosive, or is of unsound mind, or is for any reason unfit for a licence under this Act; ot 

(b) if the licensing authority deems it necessary for the security of the public peace or for public 

safety to suspend or revoke the licence; or 

(c) if the licence was obtained by the suppression of material information or on the basis of 

wrong information provided by the holder of the licence or any other person on his behalf at the time 

of applying for the licence; or 

(d) if any of the conditions of the licence has been contravened; or 

(e) if the holder of the licence has failed to comply with a notice under sub-section (1)requiring 

him to deliver-up the licence. 

(4) The licensing authority may also revoke a licence on the application of the holder thereof. 

(5) where the licensing authority makes an order varying the conditions of a licence under                              

sub-section (1) or an order suspending or revoking a licence under sub-section (3), it shall record in 

writing the reasons therefor and furnish to the holder of the licence on demand a brief statement of the 

same unless in any case the licensing authority is of the opinion that it will not be in the public interest to 

furnish such statement. 

(6) A court convicting the holder of a licence of any offence under this Act or the rules made 

thereunder may also suspend or revoke a licence: 

Provided that if the conviction is set aside on appeal or otherwise, the suspension or revocation shall 

become void. 

(7) An order of suspension or revocation under sub-section (6) mayalso be made by an appellate court 

or by the High Court when exercising its powers of revision. 

(8) The Central Government may, by order in the Official Gazette, suspend or revoke, or direct any 

licensing authority to suspend or revoke, all or any licences granted under this. Act throughout India or 

any part thereof. 

(9) On the suspension or revocation of a licence under this section the holder thereof shall without 

delay surrender the licence to the authority by whom it has been suspended or revoked or to such other 

authority as may be specified in this behalf in the order of suspension or revocation. 

6F. Appeals.—(1) Any person aggrieved by an order of the licensing authority refusing to grant a 

licence or varying the conditions of a licence or by an order of the licensing authority suspending or 



 

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revoking a licence may prefer an appeal against that order to such authority (hereinafter referred to as the 

appellate authority) and within such period as may be prescribed: 

Provided that no appeal shall lie against an order made by, or under the direction of, the Central 

Government. 

(2) No appeal shall be admitted if it is preferred after the expiry of the period prescribed therefor:  

Provided that an appeal may be admitted after the expiry of the period prescribed therefor if the 

appellant satisfies the appellate authority that he had sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal within 

that period. 

(3) The period prescribed for an appeal shall be computed in accordance with the provisions of the 

Limitation Act, 1963 (36 of 1963), with respect to the computation of periods of limitation thereunder. 

(4) Every appeal under this section shall be made by a petition in writing and shall be 

accompanied by a brief statement of the reasons for the order appealed agianst where such 

statement has been furnished to the appellant and by such fee as may be prescribed . 

(5) In disposing of an appeal the appellate authority shall follow such procedure as may be 

prescribed: 

Provided that no appeal shall be disposed of unless the appellant has been given a reasonable 

opportunity of being heard. 

(6) The order appealed against shall, unless the appellate authority conditionally or 

unconditionally directs otherwise, be in force pending the disposal of the appeal against such order.  

(7) Every order of the appellate authority confirming, modifying or reversing the order appealed 

against shall be final.] 

7. Power to make rules conferring powers of inspection, search, seizure, detention and 

removal.—(1) The Central Government 1*** may make rules consistent with this Act authorising any 

officer, either by name or in virtue of his office.—  

(a) to enter, inspect and examine 2 [any place, aircraft, carriage or vessel] in which an 

explosive is being manufactured, possessed, used, sold, 3[transported, imported or exported] 

under a license granted under this Act, or in which he has reason to believe that an explosive has 

been or is being manufactured, possessed, used, sold, 3[transported, imported or exported] in 

contravention of this Act or of the rules made under this Act; 

(b) to search for explosives therein; 

(c)  to take samples of any explosive found therein on payment of the value thereof;  and   

4[(d) to seize, detain and remove any explosive or ingredient thereof found therein and, if 

necessary, also destroy such explosive or ingredient.] 

(2) The provisions of the 5[Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974)] relating to searches under 

that Code shall, so far as the same are applicable, apply to searches by officers authorised by rules under 

this section. 

8. Notice of accidents. 6[(1)] Whenever there occurs in or about, or in connection with, any place 

in which an explosive is manufactured, possessed or used, or 7[any aircraft, carriage or vessel] either 

conveying an explosive or on or from which an explosive is being loaded or unloaded, any accident by 

explosion or by fire attended with loss of human life or serious injury to person or property, or of a 

                                                      
1.The words “or the Local Government with the previous sanction of the Governor-General in Council” omitted by the A.O. 

1937. 
2. Subs. by Act 32 of 1978, s. 9, for “any place, carriage or vessel” (w.e.f. 2 -3-1983). 
3. Subs. by s. 9, ibid., for “transported or imported” (w.e.f. 2-3-1983). 
4. Subs. by s. 9, ibid., for clause (d) (w.e.f. 2-3-1983). 
5. Subs. by s. 9, ibid., for “Code of Criminal Procedure (10 of 1882)” (w.e.f. 2-3-1983). 

6. s. 8 renumbered as sub-section (1) thereof by ord. No.18 of 1945, s. 2. 
7. Subs. by Act 32 of 1978, s. 10, for “any carriage or vessel” (w.e.f. 2 -3-1983). 



 

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description usually attended with such loss or injury, the occupier of the place, or 1[the master of the 

aircraft or vessel], or the person in charge of the carriage, as the case may be, shall 2[within such time 

and in such manner as may be by rule prescribed give notice thereof and of the attendant loss of human 

life or personal injury, if any, to the 3[Chief Controller of Explosives] and] to the officer in charge of the 

nearest police-station. 

4*             *             *             *             * 

5[9. Inquiry into accidents.—(1) Where any accident such as is referred to in section 8 occurs 

in or about or in connection with 6[any place, aircraft, carriage or vessel] under the control of any 

of 7[Armed Forces of the Union], an inquiry into the causes of the accident shall be held by the 

naval, military, or air force authority concerned, and where any such accident occurs in any other 

circumstances, the District Magistrate 8* * *shall, in cases attended by loss of human life, or may, 

in any other case, hold or direct a Magistrate subordinate to him to hold, such an Inquiry..  

(2) Any person holding an inquiry under this section shall have all the powers of a Magistrate in 

holding an inquiry into an offence under the 9[Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974)], and 

may exercise such of the powers conferred on any officer by rules under section 7 as he may think it 

necessary or expedient to exercise for the purposes of the inquiry. 

(3) The person holding an inquiry under this section shall make a report to the Central Government 

stating the causes of the accident and its circumstances. 

(4) The Central Government may make rules— 

(a) to regulate the procedure at inquiries under this section;  

(b) to enable the 10[Chief Controller of Explosives] to be present or represented at any such 

inquiry; 

(c) to permit the 10[Chief Controller of Explosives] or his representative to examine any 

witnesses at the inquiry; 

(d) to provide that where the 10[Chief Controller of Explosives] is not present or represented at 

any such inquiry, a report of the proceedings thereof shall be sent to him; 

(e) to prescribe the manner in which and the time within which notices referred to in section 8 

shall be given. 

9A.  Inquiry into more serious accidents.—(1) The Central Government may, where it is of 

opinion, whether or not it has received the report of an inquiry under section 9, that an inquiry or more 

formal character should be held into the causes of an accident such as is referred to in section 8, appoint 

the 11[Chief Controller of Explosives] or any other competent person to hold such inquiry, and may also 

appoint one or more persons possessing legal or special knowledge to act as assessors in such inquiry. 

(2) Where the Central Government orders an inquiry under this section, it may also direct that any 

inquiry under section 9 pending at the time shall be discontinued. 

(3) The person appointed to hold an inquiry under this section shall have all the powers of a Civil 

Court under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), for the purposes of enforcing the 

attendance of witnesses and compelling the production of documents and material objects; and every 

                                                      
1. Subs. by s. 10, ibid., for “the master of vessel” (w.e.f. 2-3-1983). 
2. Subs. by Act 18 of 1945, s. 2, for “forthwith give notice thereof”.  
3. Subs. by Act 32 of 1978, s. 10, for “Chief Inspector of Explosives in India” (w.e.f. 2 -3-1983). 
4. Sub-section (2) omitted by s. 10, ibid. (w.e.f. 2-3-1983). 
5. Subs. by Act 18 of 1945, s. 3, for s. 9. 
6. Subs. by Act 32 of 1978, s. 11, for “any place, carriage or vessel” (w.e.f. 2 -3-1983). 
7. Subs. by s. 11, ibid.,for “the Indian Forces” (w.e.f. 2-3-1983). 
8. The brackets and words “(or in a Presidency-town, the Commissioner of Police)” omitted by s. 11, ibid. (w.e.f. 2-3-

1983). 
9. Subs. by s. 11, ibid.,for “Code of Criminal Procedure, 1898” (w.e.f. 2 -3-1983). 
10. Subs. by s. 11, ibid.,for “Chief Inspector of Explosives in India” (w.e.f. 2-3-1983). 

11. Subs. by s. 12,ibid .,for “Chief Inspector of Explosives in India” (w.e.f. 2 -3-1983). 



 

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person required by such person as aforesaid to furnish any information shall be deemed to be legally 

bound so to do within the meaning of section 176 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860). 

(4) Any person holding an inquiry under this section may exercise such of the powers conferred on 

any officer by rules under section 7 as he may think it necessary or expedient to exercise for the purposes 

of the inquiry. 

(5) The person holding an inquiry under this section shall make a report to the Central 

Government stating the causes of the accident and its circumstances, and adding any observations 

which he or any of the assessors may think fit to make; and the Central Government shall cause 

every report so made to be published at such time and in such manner as it may think fit. 

(6) The Central Government may make rules for regulating the procedure at inquiries under this 

section.] 

1[9B. Punishment for certain offences.—(1) Whoever, in contravention of rules made under section 

5 or of the conditions of a licence granted under the said rules—  

(a) manufactures, imports or exports any explosive shall he punishable with imprisonment for a 

term which may extend to three years, or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with 

both; 

(b) possesses, uses, sells or transports any explosive shall be punishable with imprisonment for a 

term which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to three thousand rupees or with 

both; and 

(c) in any other case, with fine which may extend to one thousand rupees.  

(2) Whoever in contravention of a notification issued under section 6 manufactures, possesses or 

imports any explosive shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three 

years or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees or with both; and in the case of 

importation by water, the owner and master of the vessel or in the ease of importation by air, the 

owner, and the master of the aircraft, in which the explosive is imported shall, in the absence of 

reasonable excuse, each be punishable with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees.  

(3) Whoever,—  

(a) manufactures, sells, transports, imports, exports or possesses any explosive in contravention 

of the provisions of clause (a) of section 6A; or 

(b) sells, delivers or despatches any explosive in contravention of the provisions of clause (b) of 

that section,shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or with 

fine or with both; or 

(c) in contravention of the provisions of section 8 fails to give notice of any accident shall be 

punishable,—  

(i) with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees, or  

(ii) if the accident is attended by loss of human life, with-imprisonment for a term which may 

extend to three months or with fine or with both. 

9C. Offences by companies.—(1) Whenever an offence under this Act has been committed by a 

company, every person who at the time the offence was committed was in charge of, or was responsible 

t6 the company for the conduct of the business of the company, as well as the company, shall be deemed 

to be guilty of the offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly: 

Provided that nothing contained in this sub-section shall render any such person liable to any 

punishment under this Act if he proves that the offence was committed without his knowledge and 

that he exercised all due diligence to prevent the commission of such offence. 

                                                      
1. Ins. by Act 32 of 1978, s. 13. 



 

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(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in sub-section (1),where an offence under this Act has been  

committed by a company and it is proved that the offence has been committed with the consent or 

connivance of, or is attributable to any neglect on the part of, any director, manager, secretary or 

other officer of the company, such director, manager, secretary or other officer shall also be 

deemed to be guilty of that offence and shall be liable to be proceeded against and punished 

accordingly. 

Explanation.—Forthe purposes of this section,— 

(a) “company”means any bodycorporate, and includes a firm or other association of individuals; 

and 

(b) “director”, in relation to a firm, Means a partner in the firm.] 

10.  Forfeiture of explosives.—When a person is convicted of an offence punishable under this Act, 

or the rules made under this Act, the court before which he is convicted may direct that the explosive, or 

ingredient of the explosive, or the substance (if any) in respect of which the offence has been committed, 

or any part of that explosive, ingredient or substance, shall, with the receptacles containing the same, be 

forfeited. 

1[11. Distress of aircraft or vessel.—Where the owner or Master of any aircraft or vessel is 

adjudged under this Act to pay a fine for any offence committed with, or in relation to, that 

aircraft or vessel, the Court may, in addition to any power it may have for the purpose of 

compelling payment of the fine, direct it to be levied by distress and sale of,— 

(a) the aircraft and its furniture or so much of the furniture, or 

(b) the vessel and the tackle, apparel and furniture of such vessel or so much of the tackle, 

apparel and furniture thereof, 

as is necessary for the payment of the fine.] 

12. Abetment and attempts.—Whoever abets, within the meaning of the Indian Penal                    

Code (45 of 1860), the commission of an offence punishable under this Act, or the rules made under this 

Act, or attempts to commit any such offence and in such attempt does any act towards the commission of 

the same, shall be punished as if he had committed the offence. 

13. Power to arrest without warrant persons committing dangerous offences.—Whoever is 

found committing any act for which he is punishable under this Act or the rules under this Act, and 

which tends to cause explosion or fire in or about any place where an explosive is manufactured or 

stored, or any railway or port, or any carriage, 2[aircraft or vessel], may be apprehended without a 

warrant by a Police-officer, or by the occupier of, or the agent or servant of, or other person 

authorised by the occupier of, that place, or by any agent or servant of, or other person authorised 

by, the railway administration or 3[conservator of the port or officer in charge of the air port], and 

be removed from the place where he is arrested and conveyed as soon as conveniently may be 

before a Magistrate. 

4[14. Saving and power to exempt.—(1) Nothing in this Act, except sections 8,9 and 9A shall apply 

to the manufacture, possession, use, transport or importation of any explosive—  

(a) by any of the 5[Armed Forces of the Union, and ordnance factories or other establishments of 

such Forces] in accordance with rules or regulations made by 6***the Central Government; 

(b) by any person employed under 7[the Central Government or under a State Government] in 

execution of this Act. 

                                                      
1. Subs. by Act 32 of 1978, s. 14, for s. 11 (w.e.f.2 -3-1983). 
2. Subs. by s, 15, ibid., for “ship or boat” (w.e.f. 2-3-1983). 
3. Subs.  by s.  15,  ibid.,  for “conservator of the port” (w.e.f.  2 -3-1983).  

4. Subs. by Act 18 of 1945, s. 4, for s. 14. 
5. Subs. by Act 32 of 1978, s. 16, for “Indian Forces” (w.e.f. 2 -3-1983). 
6. The words “His Majesty's Government in the United Kingdom or” omitted by the A.O. 1950. 
7. Subs. by the A.O. 1948, for “any Government in British India” . 



 

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(2) The Central Government may by notification in the Official Gazette exempt, absolutely or subject 

to any such conditions as it may think fit to impose, 1[any explosive and any person or class  of 

persons f rom al l  or  any of  the provis ions of  this  Act  or  the rules  made thereunder .]  

15. Saving of Arms Act, 1959.—Nothing in this Act shall affect the provisions of 

the 2[Arms Act, 1959 (4 of 1959)]:  

Provided that  an authority granting a l icense under th is Act for the manufacture, 

possession, sale,  transport  or importation of an explosive may, if empowered in this 

behalf by the rules under which the license is granted, direct by an order written on the 

l icense that  it  shall  have the effect  of a like l icense granted under the said 3*** Arms 

Act,  1959 (4 of 1959) . 

16. Saving as to liabil ity under other law.—Nothing in this Act or the rules under 

this Act shall  prevent any person from being prosecuted under any other law for any 

act or omission which constitutes an offence against  this Act or those rules, or from 

being l iable under that other law to any other or higher punishment or penalty than th at 

provided by this Act or those rules:  

Provided that a person shall not be punished twice for the same offence.  

17. Extension of definition of “explosive” to other explosive substances.—The 

Central  Government may, from time to time, by notification in the  Official  Gazette, 

declare that  any substance which appears to the Central Government to be specially 

dangerous to life or property, by reason either of its explosive properties or of any 

process in the manufacture thereof being liable to explosion, shall  be deemed to be an 

explosive within the meaning of this Act ,  and the provisions of this Act (subject to such 

exceptions, limitations and restrictions as may be specified in the notification) shall 

accordingly extend to that  substance in like manner as if  it  were included in the 

definition of the term “explosive” in this Act.  

4[17A. Power to delegate.—The Central  Government may, by notification in the 

Official  Gazette,  direct  that  any power or function which may be exercised or 

performed by i t  under this Act other than the power under sections 5, 6,  6A, 14 and 17 

may, in relation to such matters and subject  to such conditions, if  any, as it  may 

specify in the notification, be exercised or performed also by —  

(a) such officer or authority subordinate to the Central Government, or  

(b) such State Government or such officer or authority subordinate to the State 

Government.] 

18. Procedure for making, publication and confirmation of  rules. —(1)  An 

authority making rules under this Act shall ,  before making the rules,  publish a draft  of 

the proposed rules for the information of persons likely to be affected thereby.  

(2) The publication shall be made in such manner as the Central Government, from 

time to time, by notification in the Official Gazette prescribes.  

(3) There shall be published with the draft a notice specifying a date at or after 

which the draft  will  be taken into consideration. 

(4)  The authority making the rules shall  receive and consider any objection or 

suggestion which may be made by any person with respect to the draft before the date 

so specified. 

                                                      
1. Subs. by Act 32 of 1978, s. 16, for certain words (w.e.f. 2-2-1983). 
2. Subs. by s. 17, ibid .,for “Indian Arms Act, 1878” (w.e.f. 2 -3-1983). 
3. The word “Indian” omitted by s. 17, ibid.(w.e.f. 2-3-1983). 
4.Ins by s.  18,ibid.(w.e.f.  2-3-1983). 

 



 

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(5)  A rule made under  this Act shall  not take effect  1 *** unti l  i t  has been 

published in the Official  Gazette ,  2***.   

(6)  The publ icat ion in the Official  Gazet te  of  a  rule  purporting to be made under  

this Act shall be conclusive evidence that it has been duly made, and, if it requires sanction, that it has 

been duly sanctioned. 

(7)  All powers to make rules conferred by this Act may he exercised from time to time as 

occasion requires.  

3[(8) Every rule made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before each 

House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total  period of thirty days which may be comprised 

in one session or in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session 

immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid, both Houses agree in making 

any modification in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall 

thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, 

that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything 

previously done under that rule.]  

                                                      
1. The words “if it is made by the Governor-General in Council” omitted by the A.O.1937. 

2. The words “and if it is made by the Local Government until it has been published in the local Official  

Gazette” omitted, ibid. 
3. Ins. by Act 32 of 1978, s. 19 (w.e.f.  2 -3-1983).