What Are the BSF's Powers in the 15-Kilometre Border Belt? An Explainer

Union Home Minister Amit Shah on 26 May 2026 directed authorities to enforce a 'zero tolerance' policy against illegal construction within 15 kilometres of the international border and ordered demolition of such structures. He was speaking at an event near the international border in Bikaner, Rajasthan. The directive has revived public interest in the precise legal powers of the Border Security Force (BSF) in the border belt.

The BSF was constituted under the Border Security Force Act, 1968 to guard India's land borders with its neighbours. Section 139(1) of the Act allows the Central Government, through an order, to designate an area within the 'local limits' adjoining the border as the zone within which BSF officers and personnel can exercise powers of arrest, search and seizure under several laws including the Customs Act, the Passport (Entry into India) Act and the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances Act.

Originally the BSF's jurisdiction extended up to 15 kilometres from the border in most states. In 2021, the Centre expanded this jurisdiction to 50 kilometres in Punjab, West Bengal and Assam, while it stays at 80 kilometres in Gujarat and 50 in Rajasthan. The expansion in 2021 was opposed by some state governments on grounds of federalism and policing as a state subject, but the Centre clarified that the BSF's expanded powers do not displace state police — they operate in parallel.

The current 15-km demolition directive does not arise from BSF's jurisdiction alone. Demolitions are typically carried out by state revenue and municipal authorities after due notice, with the BSF playing a supporting role in identification and security. The Centre's call signals tighter coordination between the BSF, state administrations and intelligence agencies to prevent illegal construction near the border that could be used to facilitate smuggling, infiltration or other cross-border activities.