Government Proposes Repeal Of 141-Year-Old Explosives Act, Seeks Public Feedback on Draft Explosives Bill 2025

New Delhi, Jun 18 (KNN) The Indian government has announced plans to repeal the Explosives Act of 1884 and replace it with updated legislation, citing the need to address modern industry requirements and regulatory challenges.

The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) has initiated public consultations on the proposal, seeking comments from citizens, industry associations, and stakeholders until July 17, 2025.

The existing Explosives Act, enacted during British colonial rule, was last comprehensively modified in 1978 following India's independence and the subsequent growth of the explosives manufacturing sector.

According to DPIIT officials, the 141-year-old legislation, which follows outdated British regulatory patterns, has proven inadequate in meeting contemporary industry needs and technological developments in the explosives sector.

The current law governs the manufacture, possession, use, sale, transport, import, and export of explosives for commercial purposes while establishing safety protocols to prevent accidents within Indian territory.

However, industry representatives have reportedly faced operational difficulties due to provisions that no longer align with modern practices and requirements.

As part of a broader government initiative to review pre-constitutional legislation, authorities have been examining the relevance and suitability of colonial-era laws in present circumstances.

This review process has led to recommendations for repealing, re-enacting, or consolidating various outdated statutes to better serve current needs.

The proposed Explosives Bill 2025 aims to address these concerns through comprehensive reforms.

Key features of the new legislation include the introduction of seven additional definitions to clarify regulatory scope and the establishment of provisions for third-party inspection agencies to enhance oversight and compliance monitoring.

Officials emphasised that the new law would incorporate necessary modifications to penal provisions, ensuring alignment with contemporary legal standards and operational realities.

The government has positioned this legislative update as essential for supporting the continued growth and development of India's explosives industry while maintaining appropriate safety and security standards.

The public consultation period will allow stakeholders to provide feedback on the proposed changes before the government finalises the new legislation, marking a significant modernisation of regulatory frameworks governing explosive materials in India.

(KNN Bureau)