Raipur: The Chhattisgarh government has decided to invoke the National Security Act (NSA) in the state. According to the issued order, the NSA will remain in effect from October 1, 2024, to December 31, 2026. Under this measure, all 33 District Collectors in the state have been granted special powers related to preventive detention.
Following this government order, District Collectors will be empowered to take preventive action in cases where an individual’s activities are perceived to pose a threat to public order, state security, or the maintenance of essential services.
What is the National Security Act?
The National Security Act, 1980 (NSA) is a preventive detention law. Under this Act, the government can order the detention of an individual prior to any formal trial, provided specific conditions are met.
The objective of the law is to facilitate preventive action in instances where an individual’s activities are deemed a threat to national security, state security, or public order. The duration of detention under the NSA is subject to the procedures and conditions stipulated by the law.
What powers will the Collectors have?
Following the state government’s order, all District Collectors will be empowered to issue preventive detention orders under the NSA. If, based on prescribed legal grounds, a Collector is satisfied that an individual’s activities could pose a threat to public order, state security, or essential services, they may initiate detention proceedings in accordance with the provisions of the Act.
