THE ESSENTIAL COMMODITIES ACT, 1955
ACT NO. 10 OF 1955
[1st April, 1955.]
An Act to provide, in the interest of the general public, for the control of the production, supply and distribution of, and trade and commerce, in certain commodities.
BE it enacted by Parliament in the Sixth Year of the Republic of India as follows:―
1. Extended to Goa, Daman and Diu with modification by Regulation 12 of 1962, section 3 and Schedule, to Dadra and Nagar Haveli by Regulation 6 of 1963, section 3 and Schedule I and to Lakshadweep and Amindivi Islands by Regulation 8 of 1965, section 3 and Schedule, to the State of Sikkim vide S.O. 28(E), dated 7th January, 1976 (w.e.f. 7-1-1976). This Act has been amended in Maharashtra by Maharashtra Act 71 of 1976, in Orissa by Orissa Act, 8 of 1976, in Uttar Pradesh by Uttar Pradesh Acts 9 of 1974, 18 of 1975, 39 of 1975 and 16 of 1978.
Read full Act S.1 Short title and extent
S.2 Definitions
S.2A Essential commodities declaration, etc.
S.3 Powers to control production, supply, distribution, etc., of essential commodities
S.4 Imposition of duties on State Governments, etc.
S.5 Delegation of powers
S.6 Effect of orders inconsistent with other enactments
S.6A Confiscation of essential commodity
S.6B Issue of show cause notice before confiscation of food grains, etc.
S.6C Appeal
S.6D Award of confiscation not to interfere with other punishments
S.6E Bar of jurisdiction in certain cases
S.7 Penalties
S.7A Power of Central Government to recover certain amounts as arrears of land revenue
S.8 Attempts and abetment
S.9 False statement
S.10 Offences by companies
S.10A Offences to be cognizable
S.10B Power of court to publish name, place of business, etc., of companies convicted under the Act
S.10C Presumption of culpable mental state
S.11 Cognizance of offences
S.12 Special provision regarding fine
S.12A Power to try summarily
S.12B Grant of injunction, etc., by civil courts
S.13 Presumption as to orders
S.14 Burden of proof in certain cases
S.15 Protection of action taken under Act
S.15A Prosecution of public servants
S.16 Repeals and savings