Government to Unveil Explosives Bill 2024, Overhauling Century-Old Legislation

In a significant move aimed at enhancing the ease of doing business within the explosives sector, the Indian government has announced plans to overhaul the existing Explosives Act of 1884. The Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade (DPIIT) is currently inviting feedback on the newly proposed Explosives Bill 2024. This legislative update is poised to introduce a more streamlined process for the granting of licenses, alongside stiffer penalties for any violations of its provisions.

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The proposed bill encompasses a wide range of explosives including gunpowder, nitroglycerine, nitroglycol, di-nitro-toluene, and picric acid. One of the key highlights of the draft bill is the significant increase in fines for breaches of its stipulations. Moreover, it aims to clarify and enhance the procedures for obtaining licenses necessary for the manufacture, possession, use, sale, import, and export of explosives.

Under the current framework, the Petroleum and Explosives Safety Organisation (PESO), operating under the DPIIT, holds the authority to issue licenses covering a broad spectrum of activities related to explosives. The Explosives Bill 2024 proposes a shift in this mechanism by specifying that the Central Government will designate a competent authority responsible for granting, suspending, or revoking licenses. This authority will also oversee other critical functions as outlined in the new act.

Furthermore, the draft legislation introduces detailed provisions regarding licensing. It specifies that the licensing authority will determine the quantity of explosive material that a licensee is permitted to manufacture, possess, sell, transport, import, or export within a given period.

In terms of penalties for non-compliance, the proposed bill outlines more severe consequences compared to those in the existing legislation. For instance, manufacturing, importing, or exporting explosives in contravention of the established provisions could result in up to three years of imprisonment or a fine of Rs 1 lakh, or both. This represents a significant increase from the current law's maximum fine of Rs 50,000 without altering the imprisonment term.

Additionally, for offenses related to the possession, use, sale, or transport of explosives in violation of the bill's terms, offenders could face up to two years in jail or a fine of Rs 50,000 or both. This marks a substantial escalation from the present fine amounting to Rs 3,000 for similar violations.

This legislative overhaul signifies a pivotal step towards modernizing regulations governing the explosives sector in India. By proposing stricter penalties and refining licensing procedures, the government aims to ensure higher standards of safety while facilitating business operations within this critical industry.