Section 21 of The Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005
Penalty for unauthorised use of certain uniforms.
If any private security guard or supervisor wears the uniform of the Army, Air force, Navy or any other armed forces of the Union or Police or any dress having the appearance or bearing any of the distinctive marks of that uniform, he and the proprietor of the private security agency shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to one year or with fine which may extend to five thousand rupees, or with both.
Summary
- Guards and supervisors are forbidden from wearing the uniform of the Army, Air Force, Navy, other armed forces, or Police.
- They are also banned from wearing dresses that look like those uniforms or have their distinctive marks.
- If this rule is broken, both the guard and the owner of the security agency are punished.
- The punishment is up to one year in prison, a fine of up to five thousand rupees, or both.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Can my security guards wear uniforms that look like military camouflage?
No, wearing dresses having the appearance of armed forces uniforms is illegal.
2. Who gets in trouble if a guard wears a police uniform?
Both the guard wearing the uniform and the proprietor (owner) of the agency get in trouble.
3. How much is the fine for illegal uniforms?
The fine can be up to five thousand rupees.
Test yourself
1.Under Section 21 of The Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005, whose uniform is a private security guard prohibited from wearing?
2.Under Section 21 of The Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005, who is punishable if a guard wears an illegal uniform?
3.Under Section 21 of The Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005, what is the maximum fine for unauthorized use of certain uniforms?
4.Under Section 21 of The Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005, what is the maximum prison term for wearing an unauthorized official uniform?
5.Under Section 21 of The Private Security Agencies (Regulation) Act, 2005, is it legal to wear a uniform that just looks like a police uniform but is not exact?