Exploring the MISA Law: Key Features and Implications

The Maintenance of Internal Security Act (MISA) was a controversial law passed by the Indian Parliament in 1971. The law gave the government broad powers to detain individuals without trial for up to two years. The law was used to detain political opponents, activists, and suspected criminals.

MISA was widely criticized for being draconian and for violating fundamental rights. The law was repealed in 1977 after the Janata Party came to power.

The MISA law was not part of the Indian Constitution. However, the 39th Amendment to the Constitution, which was passed in 1975, placed MISA in the Ninth Schedule of the Constitution. This meant that the law could not be challenged in court on the grounds that it violated fundamental rights.

The 44th Amendment to the Constitution, which was passed in 1978, removed MISA from the Ninth Schedule. This meant that the law could once again be challenged in court.

The MISA law is a reminder of the importance of civil liberties and the need to protect fundamental rights.