Offences relating to courts-martial

Q: When did Section 59 of the Army Act come into force?

Section 59 of the Army Act, cited as Army Act 1950 59, 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.

In force From 22 Jul 1950 Act 46 of 1950 As on 16 Oct 2026

Act 46 of 1950 Ministry Defence Enacted 20 May 1950 In force 22 Jul 1950

Section 59 of the Army Act, 1950 deals with offences relating to courts-martial. Any person subject to this Act who commits any of the following offences, that is to say,-- (a) being duly summoned or ordered to attend as a witness before a court martial, wilfully or without reasonable excuse, makes default in attending; 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) being duly summoned or ordered to attend as a witness before a court martial, wilfully or without reasonable excuse, makes default in attending; or
(b) refuses to take an oath or make an affirmation legally required by a court-martial to be taken or made; or
(c) refuses to produce or deliver any document in his power or control legally required by a courtmartial to be produced or delivered by him; or
(d) refuses when a witness to answer any question which he is by law bound to answer ; or
(e) is guilty of contempt of court-martial by using insulting or threatening language, or by causing any interruption or disturbance in the proceedings of such court;
shall, on conviction by court-martial, be liable to suffer imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years or such less punishment as is in this Act mentioned.
Section 59, The Army Act, 1950 (Act 46 of 1950).

Questions about Section 59

What does Section 59 of the Army Act deal with?

Section 59 of the Army Act is headed "Offences relating to courts-martial". Any person subject to this Act who commits any of the following offences, that is to say,-- (a) being duly summoned or ordered to attend as a witness before a court martial, wilfully or without reasonable excuse, makes default in attending;

How do I find court cases under Section 59 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 59, section 59 Army Act 1950, section 59 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 59 of the Army Act come into force?

Section 59 of the Army Act, cited as Army Act 1950 59, 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 16 Oct 2026. This page is not a substitute for legal advice.