Prohibited Order

## Policy Analysis Report: Declaration of Prohibited Place under the Official Secrets Act, 1923 **1. Executive Summary:** This report analyzes a notification issued by the Government of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, declaring the 765400kV Jhatikara SubStation at Ghumanhera village of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited as a "Prohibited Place" under the Official Secrets Act, 1923. The core purpose of this declaration, as inferred from the text, is to protect critical infrastructure from potential threats by restricting access to information or actions that could be detrimental to the substation's operations or security. The key finding is that this designation empowers the government to control information and access related to the specified substation. **2. Introduction:** This report provides an overview and analysis of a notification published in the Delhi Gazette on November 25, 2022, concerning the designation of a Power Grid Corporation of India Limited substation as a prohibited place. The analysis is based solely on the provided text of the notification. **3. Policy Overview:** * This is a **New Policy** declaration under existing law. * **Core Objective(s):** The core objective, as inferred from the text, is to safeguard the Jhatikara SubStation by preventing the dissemination of information or actions that could be exploited by adversaries. The text explicitly states the Lt. Governor's view that information or damage related to the substation "would be useful to an enemy." **4. Background and Rationale:** As this is a new application of an existing law, the policy addresses the potential vulnerability of critical infrastructure to sabotage, espionage, or other threats. The declaration seeks to mitigate these risks by restricting access to sensitive information and physically limiting access to the site. The increasing importance of power infrastructure, coupled with evolving security threats, likely necessitates this protective measure. **5. Key Provisions / Changes:** * **New Policy:** The primary provision is the declaration of the 765400kV Jhatikara SubStation at Ghumanhera village of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited as a "Prohibited Place" under the Official Secrets Act, 1923. This declaration, according to Section 2(8)(c) and (d) of the Act, read with a prior Government of India notification (F. 21072UTL dated 19th January 1973), empowers the authorities to control access, regulate activities, and restrict the dissemination of information related to the specified location. The policy establishes the legal basis for enhanced security measures and legal repercussions for violations under the Official Secrets Act. **6. Target Audience and Stakeholders:** The target audience and stakeholders directly affected by this declaration include: * **Power Grid Corporation of India Limited:** As the owner and operator of the substation, they are directly responsible for implementing security measures in accordance with the declaration. * **Employees of Power Grid Corporation of India Limited:** Their access to the substation and handling of information related to it will be subject to the restrictions imposed by the Official Secrets Act. * **Contractors and Vendors:** Any third parties working at or providing services to the substation will also be subject to the restrictions. * **The general public:** Access to the area will be restricted. * **Law enforcement and security agencies:** These entities are responsible for enforcing the provisions of the Official Secrets Act in relation to the prohibited place. **7. Implementation Aspects (Inferred):** * **Responsible agency/bodies:** The Lieutenant Governor of the National Capital Territory of Delhi issued the notification. Power Grid Corporation of India Limited is implicitly responsible for adhering to the regulations. Law enforcement agencies are responsible for enforcement. * **Timelines or procedures:** No specific timelines or procedures are outlined in the text beyond the immediate declaration. Further directives or regulations are likely to follow. **8. Expected Outcomes / Impact of Changes:** The intended outcome of this declaration is to enhance the security and resilience of the Jhatikara SubStation. The expected impact includes: * Reduced risk of sabotage or espionage. * Improved protection of critical infrastructure. * Increased control over access to sensitive information related to the substation. * Deters unauthorized access and activity at the site. * Potential increase in security protocols and expenditure for Power Grid Corporation of India Limited. **9. Conclusion:** The declaration of the 765400kV Jhatikara SubStation as a "Prohibited Place" under the Official Secrets Act, 1923, represents a significant step towards safeguarding critical power infrastructure in Delhi. The policy aims to minimize vulnerabilities by restricting access to sensitive information and controlling activities within the designated area. Power Grid Corporation of India Limited and related stakeholders must adapt to the implications of this declaration to ensure compliance and maintain the security of the substation. This policy highlights the government's focus on protecting essential infrastructure in an increasingly complex security environment.

Key Entities Referenced