15/07/2026
Simple Guide: Rules for Armed Forces in "Disturbed Areas"
Based on Supreme Court of India Orders under AFSPA, 1958
Because of complaints about misuse of power, the Supreme Court made clear rules. The Army must follow these rules to protect both public safety and people's rights.
WHAT THE ARMY MUST DO - DO's
Before an operation:
1. Work only in areas officially declared "Disturbed Area"
2. Only Officers, JCOs, or NCOs can order firing or arrests
3. Take information from local authorities before any raid
4. Include a local government officer in the raid if possible
During an operation:
1. Give warning before firing. Fire only if it’s really needed
2. Arrest only people who did, or are about to do, a serious crime
3. Do not harass innocent people or damage houses/property
4. Only female police can search or arrest women
After an operation:
1. Make a list of all people arrested
2. Hand over arrested people to the police station within 24 hours
3. Give police a full report on why the arrest was made
4. Make a list of all weapons, money, or documents seized and hand them to police
5. Take a receipt from police for everything handed over
6. Record date, time, place, and officers involved in the operation
7. Give medical help to injured people. Hand over dead bodies to police immediately with full details
With the Court:
1. Follow High Court/Supreme Court orders immediately
2. Be respectful and answer court questions politely
3. Keep proper records of the whole operation
WHAT THE ARMY MUST NOT DO - DON'Ts
1. *Do not* keep arrested people for long. Hand them to police fast
2. Do not beat or use force on arrested people unless they try to escape
3. Do not use torture to get information or confession
4. Do not question arrested people yourself. Only police can do that
5. Do not release anyone on your own. Only civil authorities can
6. Do not change or hide any official records
7. Do not take back a person after handing them to police
IN ONE LINE:
Be lawful, be transparent, respect civilians and the court, and hand everything over to police quickly. No misuse of power.
Source: Supreme Court of India