---
title: "National Security Act, 1980 (NSA): Detention Law"
description: "The National Security Act, 1980 (NSA) lets India detain a person up to 12 months without charge on executive order. See its grounds, review boards, and limits."
url: "https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/glossary/national-security-act-1980"
---

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Model Diplomat Research Team · Last reviewed June 22, 2026

TL;DR

- The National Security Act, 1980 is an Indian law authorising preventive detention of a person without charge or trial to prevent acts prejudicial to national security or public order.
- How long can a person be detained under the National Security Act?
- How does the NSA differ from the UAPA?
- Does a detenu have the right to a lawyer under the NSA?
- What is the role of the Advisory Board under the NSA?

[Civil Service & Diplomatic Exams](https://modeldiplomat.com/learn/civil-services/glossary)Updated June 22, 2026

The National Security Act, 1980 is an Indian law authorising preventive detention of a person without charge or trial to prevent acts prejudicial to national security or public order.

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In January 2021 the Madhya Pradesh government invoked the National Security Act against individuals accused of milk adulteration, ordering preventive detention without trial under Section 3 of the Act.

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