In a significant step toward legal modernization, the Indian government has tabled a bill in Parliament to repeal the Explosives Act of 1884, a law enacted during British colonial rule. The new bill, titled the Explosives Regulation Bill, 2025, aims to provide a comprehensive, modern legal framework for the safe and secure use of explosives across various industries, including mining, construction, and defense.
The current 141-year-old Act is widely considered outdated and insufficient to regulate the complexities of explosive use in today's technologically advanced environment. The proposed bill introduces clear licensing procedures, strict safety norms, and enhanced penalties for unauthorized possession, manufacturing, and transportation of explosives.
Union Home Minister presented the bill, stating that the move is "an effort to ensure national security, public safety, and industrial compliance with globally accepted standards."
“The new bill ensures a science-based approach to explosive regulation. It balances development needs with the imperative of safety,” he said during the presentation.
Among the key features of the bill are:
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Digital licensing and renewals
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Standardized classification of explosives
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Mandatory training for handlers and transporters
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Integration with national security databases
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Heavy penalties for violations, including imprisonment and fines
The bill also empowers both central and state governments to issue notifications and formulate rules tailored to regional needs and emerging technologies.
Legal experts and safety analysts have welcomed the move, calling it a long-overdue reform. “Explosives regulation has long been in a legal limbo. This bill is a leap toward aligning Indian law with 21st-century industrial realities,” said Adv. Meera Sharma, a policy researcher. The bill has been referred to the Standing Committee on Home Affairs for further review and is expected to undergo public consultation before final passage. If enacted, the new law will replace one of India’s oldest surviving statutes and potentially improve both national security and workplace safety in sectors reliant on explosives.
