Offences punishable more severely on active service than at other times
Section 36 of the Army Act, 1950 deals with offences punishable more severely on active service than at other times. Any person subject to this Act who commits any of the following offences, that is to say,-- (a) forces a safeguard, or forces or uses criminal force to a sentry; The Act came into force on 22 Jul 1950.
Any person subject to this Act who commits any of the following offences, that is to say,--
(a) forces a safeguard, or forces or uses criminal force to a sentry; or
(b) breaks into any house or other place in search of plunder; or
(c) being a sentry sleeps upon his post, or is intoxicated; or
(d) without orders from his superior officer leaves his guard, picquet, patrol or post ; or
(e) intentionally or through neglect occasions a false alarm in camp, garrison, or quarters ; or spreads reports calculated to create unnecessary alarm or despondency ; or
(f) makes known the parole, watchword or countersign to any person not entitled to receive it; or knowingly gives a parole, watchword or countersign different from what he received;
shall, on conviction by court-martial,
if he commits any such offence when on active service, be liable to suffer imprisonment for a term which may extend to fourteen years or such less punishment as is in this Act mentioned; and
if he commits any such offence when not on active service, be liable to suffer imprisonment for a term which may extend to seven years or such less punishment as is in this Act mentioned.
Section 36, The Army Act, 1950 (Act 46 of 1950).
Questions about Section 36
What does Section 36 of the Army Act deal with?
Section 36 of the Army Act is headed "Offences punishable more severely on active service than at other times". Any person subject to this Act who commits any of the following offences, that is to say,-- (a) forces a safeguard, or forces or uses criminal force to a sentry;
How do I find court cases under Section 36 of the Army Act?
In judgments and charge sheets this section is written several ways, and each form finds a different set of orders. These search the full text of every order eCourtsIndia holds, best matches first: Army Act 1950 36, section 36 Army Act 1950, section 36 of the Army Act. Each opens the full list of orders on eCourtsIndia, where it can be narrowed by court, year and outcome.
When did Section 36 of the Army Act come into force?
Section 36 of the Army Act, cited as Army Act 1950 36, came into force on 22 Jul 1950, having been enacted on 20 May 1950. It is in force as at the date shown on this page.
Other sections of this Act
- 3. Definitions961 words
- 142. Presumption as to certain documents547 words
- 90. Deductions from pay and allowances of officers422 words
- 91. Deductions from pay and allowances of persons other than officers415 words
- 34. Offences in relation to the enemy and punishable with death328 words
- 151. Order for disposal of property regarding which offence is committed303 words
Source and method. Compiled from the enactments of Parliament and of the State legislatures as published on India Code, and republished together with commentary and other original matter under section 52(1)(q)(ii) of the Copyright Act, 1957. Structured, cross-referenced and maintained by eCourtsIndia. Text as in force on 18 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.