act 005 of 1923 : Boilers Act, 1923

Department
  • Department of Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade
Ministry
  • Ministry of Commerce and Industry
Enforcement Date

1924-01-01T00:00:00.000Z

Section 1.Short title, extent and commencement.

(1) This Act may he called the 1*** Boilers Act, 1923.


2[(2) It extends to the whole of India 3***.]

(3) It shall come into force on such date4 as the Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, appoint.





1. The word "Indian" omitted by Act 49 of 2007, s. 2 (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

2. Subs. by the A.O. 1950, for sub-section (2).

3. The words "except the State of Jammu and Kashmir" omitted by Act 34 of 2019, s. 95 and the Fifth Schedule (w.e.f. 31-10- 2019).

4. 1st January, 1924, see Notification No. A- 61, dated the 4th December, 1923, Gazette of India, Pt. I, p. 1695.



Year Description Hindi Description Files(Eng) Files(Hindi)
15-03-2011 The Boiler Operation Engineers' Rules, 2011
17-05-2016 The Boiler Operation Engineers' (Amendment) Rules 2016
Year Description Hindi Description Files(Eng) Files(Hindi)
25-12-1993 The Indian Boiler (Third Amendment) Regulations , 1993
21-11-1998 The Indian Boiler ( Amendment) Regulations , 1998
Section 2.Definitions.

In this Act, unless there is anything repugnant in the subject or context,--


1[(a) "accident" means an explosion of boiler, or boiler component, which is calculated to weaken the strength or an uncontrolled release of water or steam therefrom, liable to cause death or injury to any person or damage to any property;]

2[(aa) "Board" means the Central Boilers Board constituted under section 27A;]

3[(b) "boiler" means a pressure vessel in which steam is generated for use external to itself by application of heat which is wholly or partly under pressure when steam is shut off but does not include a pressure vessel,--

(i) with capacity less than 25 liters (such capacity being measured from the feed check valve to the main steam stop valve);

(ii) with less than one kilogram per centimeter square design gauge pressure and working gauge pressure; or

(iii) in which water is heated below one hundred degrees centigrade;

(ba) "boiler component" means steam piping, feed piping, economiser, superheater, any mounting or other fitting and any other external or internal part of a boiler which is subject to pressure exceeding one kilogram per centimeter square gauge;]

4[(c) "Chief Inspector", "Deputy Chief Inspector" and "Inspector" mean, respectively, a person appointed to be a Chief Inspector, a Deputy Chief Inspector and an Inspector under this Act;]

5[(ca) "Competent Authority" means an institution recognised in such manner as may be prescribed by regulations for issue of certificate to the welders for welding of boiler and boiler components;

(cb) "Competent Person" means a person recognised in such manner as may be prescribed by regulations for inspection and certification of boilers and boiler components during manufacture, erection and use. All Inspectors shall be ipso facto competent persons;]

6[(cc) "economiser" means any part of a feed-pipe that is wholly or partially exposed to the action of flue gases for the purpose of recovery of waste heat;

(ccc) "feed-pipe" means any pipe or connected fitting wholly or partly under pressure through which feed water passes directly to a boiler and 7[which] does not form an integral part thereof;]

8[(ccd) "Inspecting Authority" means an institution recognised in such manner as may be prescribed by regulations for the inspection and certification of boilers and boiler components during manufacture. All Chief Inspectors of Boilers shall be ipso facto Inspecting Authorities;]

(cce) "manufacture" means manufacture, construction and fabrication of boiler or boiler component, or both;

(ccf) "manufacturer" means a person engaged in the manufacture;

(d) "owner"9[includes any person possessing or] using a boiler as agent of the owner thereof and any person using a boiler which he has hired or obtained on loan from the owner thereof;

(e) "prescribed" means prescribed by regulations or rules made under this Act;

10[(f) "steam pipe" means any pipe through which steam passes if--

(i) the pressure at which steam passes through such pipe exceeds 3.5 kilogram per square centimeters above atmospheric pressure, or

(ii) such pipe exceeds 254 millimeters in internal diameter and the pressure of steam exceeds 1 kilogram per square centimeters above the atmospheric pressure,

and includes in either case any connected fitting of a steam-pipe;]

11[(g) "structural alteration, addition or renewal" means,--

(i) any change in the design of a boiler or boiler component;

(ii) replacement of any part of boiler or boiler component by a part which does not conform to the same specification; or

(iii) any addition to any part of a boiler or boiler component;

(h) "superheater" means any equipment which is partly or wholly exposed to flue gases for the purpose of raising the temperature of steam beyond the saturation temperature at that pressure and includes a re-heater;

(i) "Technical Adviser" means the Technical Adviser appointed under sub-section (1) of section 4A.]





1. Subs by Act 49 of 2007, s. 3, for clause (a) (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

2. Ins. by Act 11 of 1937, s. 3.

3. Subs. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 3, for clause (b) (w.e.f. 1-8-2010).

4. Subs. by Act 18 of 1960, s. 2, for clause (c).

5. Ins. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 3 (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).

6. Subs. by Act 34 of 1947, s. 2, for clause (cc).

7. Ins. by Act 40 of 1949, s. 3 and the Second Schedule.

8. Ins. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 3 (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).

9. Subs. by s. 3, ibid., for "includes any person".

10. Subs. by s. 3, ibid., for clause (f). Earlier it was substituted by Act 18 of 1960, s. 2, for clause (f).

11. Subs. by s. 3, ibid., for clause (g).





Section 2A.Application of Act to feed-pipes.

1[2A. Application of Act to feed-pipes.--Every reference in this Act (except where the word steam-pipe' is used in clause (f) of section 2), to a steam-pipe or steam-pipes shall be deemed to include also a reference to a feed-pipe or feed-pipes, respectively.]






1. Ins. by Act 17 of 1943, s. 3.

Section 2B.Application of Act to economisers.

1[2B. Application of Act to economisers.--Every reference in this Act to a boiler or boilers [except in clause (ccc) of section 2 2*** 3***] shall be deemed to include also a reference to an economiser or economisers, respectively.]






1. Ins. by Act 34 of 1947, s. 3.

2. The words, bracket, letters and figures "clause (e) of section 6, clauses (c) and (d) of section 11, clause (d) of section 29" omitted by Act 25 of 1952 s. 2.

3. The words and figures "and section 34" omitted by Act 18 of 1960, s. 3.



Section 3.Limitation of Application.

1Nothing in this Act shall apply to--


(a) locomotive boilers belonging to or under the control of the railways;

(b) any boiler or boiler component, --

(i) in any vessel propelled wholly or in part by the agency of steam;

(ii) belonging to, or under the control of, the Army, Navy or Air Force; or

(iii) appertaining to a sterilizer disinfector used in hospitals or nursing homes, if the boiler does not exceed one hundred liters in capacity.





1. Subs. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 4, for section 3 (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

Section 4.Power to limit extent.

The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, exclude1 any specified area from the operation of all or any specified provisions of this Act.






1. The Andaman and Nicobar Islands have been excluded from the operation of the provisions of this Act. See Notification No. G (B)-10, dated the 21st June, 1924, Gazette of India, 1924, Pt. I, p. 585.

Section 4A.Technical Adviser.

1[4A. Technical Adviser.--(1) The Central Government shall appoint a Technical Adviser from amongst the persons having such qualifications and experience as may be prescribed by rules.


(2) The terms and conditions of service of the Technical Adviser shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government.

(3) The Technical Adviser shall, in addition to exercising the powers and discharging the functions assigned to him under this Act or rules or regulations made thereunder, exercise such other powers and discharge such functions as the Central Government and the Board may delegate to him.]





1. Ins. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 5, in respect of section 4A, (w.e.f. 27-5-2008) and in respect of section 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).

Section 4B. Welders certificate.

1[4B. Welders certificate.--(1) Any person who proposes to undertake any welding work connected with or related to a boiler, or a boiler component or both shall apply to a Competent Authority for issue of a Welders certificate.


(2) On receipt of an application under sub-section (1), the Competent Authority shall follow such procedure for examination and grant of Welders certificate as may be prescribed by regulations.

(3) The Competent Authority may, if satisfied that the person applying for Welders certificate under sub-section (2) has complied with the conditions precedent for issue of the Welders certificate, issue such certificate, to such person subject to the payment of such fee and such other conditions as may be prescribed by regulations:


Provided that the Competent Authority shall not refuse Welders certificate to any person unless such person is given an opportunity of being heard.]





1. Ins. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 5, in respect of section 4A, (w.e.f. 27-5-2008) and in respect of section 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).

Section 4C.Conditions precedent for manufacture of boiler land boiler component

1[]4C. Conditions precedent for manufacture of boiler land boiler component.--(1) No person shall manufacture or cause to be manufactured any boiler or boiler component, or both unless--


(a) he has provided in the premises or precincts wherein such boiler or boiler component, or both are manufactured, such facilities for design and construction as may be prescribed by regulations;

(b) the design and drawings of the boiler and boiler component have been approved by the Inspecting Authority under clause (a) of sub-section (2) of section 4D;

(c) the materials, mounting and fittings used in the construction of such boiler or boiler component, or both conform to the specifications prescribed by regulations; and

(d) the persons engaged for welding boiler or boiler component hold Welders certificate issued by a Competent Authority.]





1. Ins. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 5, in respect of section 4A, (w.e.f. 27-5-2008) and in respect of section 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).

Section 4D. Inspection during manufacture.

1[4D. Inspection during manufacture.--(1) Every manufacturer, before commencing manufacture of a boiler or boiler component, shall engage an Inspecting Authority for carrying out inspection at such stages of manufacture as may be prescribed by regulations.


(2) The Inspecting Authority engaged under sub-section (1) shall follow such procedure for inspection and certification of boiler or boiler component as may be prescribed by regulations and after inspection, if it is--

(a) satisfied that the boiler or the boiler component conforms to the standards prescribed by regulations, it shall issue a certificate of inspection and stamp the boiler, or boiler component, or both; or

(b) of the opinion that the boiler, or boiler component, or both does not conform to the standards prescribed by regulations, it may for reasons to be recorded in writing refuse to issue such certificate:


Provided that no certificate shall be refused unless the Inspecting Authority had directed the manufacturer of the boiler or boiler component, or both in writing to carry out such modifications or rectifications as it deems necessary and the Inspecting Authority is of the opinion that inspite of such direction the manufacturer of the boiler or boiler component, or both did not carry out the direction.


(3) The Inspecting Authority may, for the purposes of inspection under this section, charge such fee as may be prescribed by regulations.]





1. Ins. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 5, in respect of section 4A, (w.e.f. 27-5-2008) and in respect of section 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).

Section 4E.Inspection during erection.

1[4E. Inspection during erection.--(1) The owner who proposes to register a boiler under section 7, shall engage on Inspecting Authority for carrying out inspection at the stage of erection of the boiler.


(2) The Inspecting Authority shall follow such procedure for inspection and certification of a boiler or boiler component, or both as may be prescribed by regulations and after inspection if it is--

(a) satisfied that the erection of the boiler is in accordance with the regulations, it shall issue a certificate of inspection in such form as may be prescribed by regulations; or

(b) of the opinion that the boiler has not been erected in accordance with the regulations, it may for reasons to be recorded in writing, refuse to grant the certificate and shall communicate such refusal to the manufacturer of the boiler or boiler component forthwith:


Provided that no such certificate shall be refused unless the Inspecting Authority had directed the owner in writing to carry out such modifications or rectifications as it deems necessary and the Inspecting Authority is of the opinion that in spite of such direction the owner did not carry out the direction.


(3) The Inspecting Authority may, for the purposes of inspection under this section, charge such fee as may be prescribed by regulations.]





1. Ins. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 5, in respect of section 4A, (w.e.f. 27-5-2008) and in respect of section 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).

Section 4F.Conditions precedent for repairing boiler and boiler component.

1[4F. Conditions precedent for repairing boiler and boiler component.--No person shall repair or cause to be repaired any boiler or boiler component or both, unless--


(a) he has provided in the premises or precincts, where in such boiler or boiler component or both are being used, such facilities for repairs as may be prescribed by regulations;

(b) the design and drawings of the boiler or boiler component, as the case may be, and the materials, mountings and fittings used in the repair of such boiler or boiler component conform to the regulations;

(c) persons engaged in welding, holds a Welders certificate issued by a Competent Authority;

(d) every user who does not have the in-house facilities for repair of boiler or boiler component shall engage a Boiler Repairer possessing a Boiler Repairer certificate for repair of a boiler or boiler component or both, as the case may be;

(e) every user shall engage a Competent Person for approval of repairs to be carried out inhouse or by the repairers.]





1. Ins. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 5, in respect of section 4A, (w.e.f. 27-5-2008) and in respect of section 4B, 4C, 4D, 4E and 4F (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).

Section 5.Chief Inspector, Deputy Chief Inspectors and Inspectors.

1[5. Chief Inspector, Deputy Chief Inspectors and Inspectors.--(1) The State Government may appoint such persons as it thinks fit to be Inspectors for the State for the purposes of this Act, and may define the local limits within which each Inspector shall exercise the powers and perform the duties conferred and imposed on Inspectors by or under this Act.


(2) The State Government may appoint such persons as it thinks fit to be Deputy Chief Inspectors for the State and may define the local limits within which each Deputy Chief Inspector shall exercise his powers and perform his duties under this Act.

(3) Every Deputy Chief Inspector may exercise the powers and perform the duties conferred and imposed on Inspectors by or under this Act and, in addition thereto, may exercise such powers or perform such duties conferred or imposed of the Chief inspector by or under this Act, as the State Government may assign to him.

(4) The State Government shall appoint a person to be Chief Inspector for the State who may, in addition to the powers and duties conferred and imposed on the Chief Inspector by or under this Act, exercise any power or perform any duty so conferred or imposed on Deputy Chief Inspectors or Inspectors.

2[(4A) No person shall be appointed as the Chief Inspector, Deputy Chief Inspector or Inspector unless he possesses such qualifications and experience as may be prescribed by the Central Government.]

(5) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the Deputy Chief Inspectors and Inspectors shall exercise the powers and perform the duties conferred and imposed on them by or under this Act under the general superintendence and control of the Chief Inspector.

(6) The Chief Inspector, Deputy Chief Inspectors and Inspectors may offer such advice as they think fit to owners regarding the proper maintenance and safe working of boilers.

(7) The Chief Inspector and all Deputy Chief Inspectors and Inspectors shall be deemed to be public servants within the meaning of section 21 of the Indian Penal Code (45 of 1860).]





1. Subs. by Act 18 of 1960, s. 5, for section 5.

2. Ins. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 6 (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).



Section 6.Prohibition of use of unregistered or uncertified boiler.

Save as otherwise expressly provided in this Act, no owner of a boiler shall use the boiler or permit it to be used--


(a) unless it has been registered in accordance with the provisions of this Act;

(b) in the case of any boiler which has been transferred from one State to another, until the transfer has been reported in the prescribed manner;

(c) unless a certificate or provisional order authorising the use of the boiler is for the time being in force under this Act;

(d) at a pressure higher than the maximum pressure recorded in such certificate or provisional order;

(e) where the 1[Central Government] has made rules requiring that boiler shall be in charge of persons holding 2[certificates of proficiency or competency], unless the boiler is in charge of a person holding the certificate required by such rules:


Provided that any boiler registered, or any boiler certified or licensed, under any Act hereby repealed shall be deemed to have been registered or certified, as the case may be, under this Act.


3* * * * *





1. Subs. by s. 7, ibid., for "State Government" (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).

2. Subs. by Act 18 of 1960, s. 5, for section 5.

3. Proviso omitted by Act 34 of 1939, s. 3 and the Second Schedule.



Section 7.Registration.

(1) The owner of any boiler which is not registered under the provisions of this Act 1[may apply to the Inspector along with such other documents as may be prescribed by regulations to have the boiler registered]. Every such application shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee.


(2) On receipt of an application under sub-section (1), the Inspector shall fix a date, within thirty days or such shorter period as may be prescribed from the date of the receipt, for the examination of the boiler and shall give the owner thereof not less than ten days notice of the date so fixed.

2[(3) On the said date the Inspector shall inspect the boiler with a view to satisfying himself that the boiler has not suffered any damage during its transit from the place or manufacture to the site of erection and forward a report of the inspection along with the documents to the Chief Inspector within seven days.

(4) The Chief Inspector, on receipt of the report, may--

(a) register the boiler and assign a register number thereto either forthwith or after satisfying himself that any structural alteration, addition or renewal which he may deem necessary has been made in or to the boiler or any steam-pipe attached thereto, or

(b) refuse to register the boiler:


Provided that where the Chief Inspector refuses to register a boiler, he shall forthwith communicate his refusal to the owner of the boiler together with the reasons therefor.


(5) The Chief Inspector shall, on registering the boiler, order the issue to the owner of a certificate in the prescribed form authorizing the use of the boiler for a period not exceeding twelve months at a pressure not exceeding such maximum pressure as he thinks fit and as is in accordance with the regulations made under this Act:


3[Provided that a certificate issued under this sub-section in respect of an economizer 4[or of an unfired boiler which forms an integral part of a processing plant in which steam is generated solely by the use of oil, asphalt or bitumen as a heating medium] may authorise its use for a period not exceeding twenty-four months.]


(6) The Inspector shall forthwith convey to the owner of the boiler the orders of the Chief Inspector and shall in accordance therewith issue to the owner any certificate of which the issue has been ordered, and, where the boiler has been registered, the owner shall within the prescribed period cause the register number to be permanently marked thereon in the prescribed manner.





1. Subs. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 8, for "may apply to the Inspector to have the boiler registered" (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).

2. Subs. by s. 8, ibid., for sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

3. Added by Act 34 of 1947, s. 4

4. Ins. by Act 18 of 1960, s. 7.



Section 8.Renewal of certificate.

(1) A certificate authorizing the use of a boiler shall cease to be in force--


(a) on the expiry of the priod for which it was granted; or

(b) when any accident occurs to the boiler; or

(c) when the boiler is moved, the boiler not being a vertical boiler the heating surface of which is less than 1[20 square metres], or a portable or vehicular boiler; or

2[(d) save as provided in section 12, when any structural alteration, addition or renewal is made in or to the boiler;] or

(e) if the Chief Inspector in any particular case so directs, when any structural alteration, addition or renewal is made in or to any steam-pipe attached to the boiler; or

(f) on the communication to the owner of the boiler of an order of the Chief Inspector or Inspector prohibiting its use on the ground that 3[it or any boiler component] attached thereto is in a dangerous condition.

(2) Where an order is made under clause (f) of sub-section (1), the grounds on which the order is made shall be communicated to the owner with the order.

4[(3) When a certificate ceases to be in force, the owner of the boiler may apply to the Competent Person for renewal thereof for such period as may be prescribed by regulations.]

5[(4) On receipt of an application under sub-section (3), the Competent Person shall, within fifteen days from the date of such receipt, inspect the boiler in such manner as may be prescribed by regulations.

(5) If the Competent Person is--

(a) satisfied that the boiler and the boiler components attached thereto arc in good condition he shall issue a certificate for such period as may be prescribed by regulations.

(b) of the opinion that the boiler or boiler component, or both does not conform to the standards prescribed by regulations, it may, for reasons to be recorded in writing, refuse to issue such certificate:


Provided that no certificate shall be refused unless the Inspecting Authority had directed the owner of the boiler or the boiler component, or both in writing to carry out such modifications or rectifications as it deems necessary and the Competent Person is of the opinion that inspite of such direction the owner of the boiler or boiler component, or both did not carry out the direction:


Provided further that the Competent Person shall, within forty-eight hours of making the examination, inform the owner of the boiler or boiler component any defect in his opinion and the reasons therefore and shall forthwith report the case to the Chief Inspector.


(6) The Competent Person may for the purpose of inspection under this section charge such fee as may be prescribed by regulations:]


Provided that where the Chief Inspector refuses to renew a certificate, he shall forthwith communicate his refusal to the owner of the boiler, together with the reason therefor.


(7) Nothing in this .section shall be deemed to prevent an owner of a boiler from applying for a renewal certificate therefor at any time during the currency of a certificates.





1. Subs. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 9, for "18.58 square metres" (w.e.f. 27-5-2008). Earlier it was substituted by Act 18 of 1960, s. 8, for "two hundred square feet".

2. Subs. by s. 9, ibid., for clause (d) (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

3. Subs. by s. 9, ibid., for "it or any steam-pipe" (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

4. Subs. by s. 9, ibid., for sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).

5. Subs. by s. 9, ibid., for sub-sections (4) and (5) (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).





Section 9.Provisional orders.

Where the Inspector reports the case of any boiler to the Chief Inspector under sub-section (3) of section 7 1*** he may, if the boiler is not a boiler the use of which has been prohibited under clause (f) of sub-section (1) of section 8, grant to the owner thereof a provisional order in writing permitting the boiler to be used at a pressure not exceeding such maximum pressure as he thinks fit and as is in accordance with the regulations made under the Act pending the receipt of the orders of the Chief Inspector. Such provisional order shall cease to be in force--


(a) on the expiry of six months from the date on which it is granted, or

(b) on receipt of the orders of the Chief Inspector, or

(c) in any of the cases referred to in clauses (b), (c), (d), (e) and (f) of sub-section (1) of section 8.

and on so ceasing to be in force shall be surrendered to the Inspector.





1. The words, brackets and figures "or sub-section (5) of section 8" omitted by Act 49 of 2007, s.10 (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

Section 10.Use of boiler pending grant of certificate.

(1) Notwithstanding anything hereinbefore contained, when the period of a certificate relating to a boiler has expired, the owner shall, provided that he has applied before the expiry of that period for a renewal of the certificate, be entitled to use the boiler at the maximum pressure entered in the former certificate pending the issue of orders on the application.


(2) Nothing in sub-section (1) shall be deemed to authorize the use of a boiler in any of the cases referred to in clauses (b), (c), (d), (c) and (f) of sub-section (1) of section 8 occurring after the expiry of the period of the certificate.




Section 11.Revocation of certificate or provisional order.

The Chief Inspector may at any time withdraw or revoke any certificate or provisional order on the report of an Inspector or otherwise--


(a) if there is reason to believe that the certificate or provisional order has been fraudulently obtained or has been granted erroneously or without sufficient examination; or

(b) if the boiler in respect of which it has been granted has sustained injury or has ceased to be in good condition; or

(c) where the 1[Central Government] has made rules requiring that boilers shall be in charge of persons holding 2[certificates of proficiency or competency], if the boiler is in charge of a person not holding the certificate required by such rules; or

3* * * * *

4* * * * *





1. Subs. by s. 11, ibid., for "State Government" (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).

2. Subs. by Act 18 of 1960, s. 9, for "certificates of competency".

3. Clause (d) omitted by Act 49 of 2007, s. 11 (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).

4. Proviso omitted by s. 11, ibid. (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).



Section 12.Alterations and renewals to boilers.

No structural alteration, addition or renewal shall be made in or to any boiler registered under this Act unless such alteration, addition or renewal has been sanctioned in writing by the Chief Inspector.



1[Provided that no such sanction is required where the structural alteration, addition or renewal is made under the supervision of a Competent Person.]





1. Ins. by s. 12, ibid. (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).

Section 13.Alterations and renewals to steam-pipes.

1[13. Alteration or renewal of boiler component.--(1) Before the owner of any boiler registered under this Act makes any structural alteration, addition or renewal in or to any boiler component attached to the boiler, he shall transmit to the Chief Inspector a report in writing of his intention and send therewith such particulars of proposed alteration, addition or renewal as may be prescribed by regulations.


(2) Any structural alteration, addition or renewal referred to in sub-section (1) shall be made by a person possessing a Boiler Repairer certificate under the supervision of the Competent Person.





1. Subs. by s. 13, ibid., for section 13 (w.e.f. 7-10-2010) .

Section 14.Duty of owner at examination.

(1) On any date fixed under this Act for the examination of a boiler, the owner thereof shall be bound--


(a) to afford to the 2[Competent Person] all reasonable facilities for the examination and all such information as may reasonably be required of him;

(b) to have the boiler properly prepared and ready for examination in the 3[manner prescribed by regulations]; and

(c) in the case of an application for the registration of a boiler, to provide such drawings, specifications, certificates and other particulars as may be 4[prescribed by regulations].

(2) If the owner fails, without reasonable cause, to comply with the provisions of sub-section (1), the 1[Competent Person] shall refuse to make the examination and shall report the case to the Chief Inspector who shall, unless sufficient cause to the contrary is shown, require the owner to file a fresh application under section 7 or section 8, as the case may be, and may forbid him to use the boiler notwithstanding anything contained in section 10.





1. Subs. by s. 13, ibid., for section 13 (w.e.f. 7-10-2010) .

2. Subs. by s. 14, ibid., for "Inspector" (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).

3. Subs. by s. 14, ibid., for "prescribed manner" (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).

4. Subs. bys. 14, ibid., for "be prescribed by regulations" (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).





Section 15.Production of certificates, etc.

The owner of any boiler who holds a certificate or provisional order relating thereto shall, at all reasonable times during the period for which the certificate or order is in force, be bound to produce the same when called upon to do so by a District Magistrate, Commissioner of Police or Magistrate of the first class having jurisdiction in the area in which the boiler is for the time being, or by the Chief Inspector or by an Inspector or by any Inspector appointed under the 1[the Factories Act, 1948(63 of 1948)],or by any person specially authorized in writing, by a District Magistrate or Commissioner of Police.






1. Subs. by s. 15, ibid., for "the Indian Factory Act, 1911 (12 of 1911)" (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

Section 16.Transfer of certificates, etc.

If any person becomes the owner of a boiler during the period for which a certificate or provisional order relating thereto is in force, the preceding owner shall be bound to make over to him the certificate or provisional order.





Section 17.Powers of entry.

An inspector may, for the purpose of inspecting or examining a boiler or any steam-pipe attached thereto or of seeing that any provision of this Act or of any regulation or rule made there under has been or is being observed, at all reasonable times enter any place or building within the limits of the area for which he has been appointed in which he has reason to believe that a boiler is in use.





Section 18.Report of accidents.

(1) If any accident occurs to a boiler or 1[boiler component], the owner or person in charge thereof shall, within twenty-four hours of the accident, report the same in writing to the Inspector. Every such report shall contain a true description of the nature of the accident and of the injury, if any, caused thereby to the boiler or to the 1[boiler component] or to any person, and shall be in sufficient detail to enable the inspector to judge of the gravity of the accident.


(2) Every person shall be bound to answer truly to the best of his knowledge and liability every question put to him in writing by the Inspector as to the cause, nature or extent of the accident.

2[(3) Without prejudice to the provisions of sub-section (1), where any death has resulted due to any accident, an inquiry may be conducted by such person and in such manner as may be prescribed by the Central Government.]





1. Subs. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 16, for "steam-pipe" (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

2. Ins. by s. 16, ibid. (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).



Section 19.Appeals to Chief Inspector.

1[(1)] Any person considering himself aggrieved by--


(a) an order made or purporting to be made by an Inspector in the exercise of any power conferred by or under this Act, or

(b) a refusal of an Inspector to make any order or to issue any certificate which he is required or enabled by or under this Act to make or issue,

may, within thirty days from the date on which such order or refusal is communicated to him, appeal against the order or refusal to the Chief Inspector.

2[(2) Every appeal under sub-section (1) shall be made in such manner as may be prescribed by the State Government.

(3) The procedure for disposing of an appeal shall be such as may be prescribed by the State Government.]





1. Section 19 renumbered as sub-section (1) thereof by s. 17, ibid. (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

2. Ins. by s. 17, ibid. (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).



Section 20.Appeals to appellate authority.

1[(1)] Any person consider himself aggrieved by an original or appellate order of the Chief Inspector--


(a) refusing to register a boiler or to grant or renew a certificate in respect of a boiler; or

(b) refusing to grant a certificate having validity for the full period applied for; or

(c) refusing to grant a certificate authorizing the use of a boiler at the maximum pressure desired; or

(d) withdrawing or revoking a certificate or provisional order; or

(e) reducing the amount of pressure specified in any certificate or the period for which such certificate has been granted; or

(f) ordering any structural alteration, addition or renewal to be made in or to a boiler or steampipe or refusing sanction to the making of any structural alteration, addition or renewal in or to a boiler, may, within thirty days of the communication to him of such order, 2[prefer an appeal to the Central Government].

3[(2) Any person considering himself aggrieved by the refusal of an Inspecting Authority to grant a certificate of inspection of manufacture or erection, as the case may be, may, within thirty days from the date of communication of such refusal, prefer an appeal to the Central Government.

(3) Every appeal under sub-section (1) shall be made in such manner as may be prescribed by the Central Government.

(4) The procedure for disposing of an appeal shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government. ]





1. Section 20 renumbered as sub-section (1) thereof by, s. 18, ibid. (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).

2. Subs. by s. 18, ibid., for "lodge with the Chief Inspector an appeal to an Appellate Authority to be constituted by the State Government under this Act" (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).

3. Ins. by s. 18, ibid. (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).



Section 20A.Power of Central Government to revise order of appellate authority.

1[20A. Power of Central Government to revise order of appellate authority.--(1) Any person considering himself aggrieved by an order of the appellate authority refusing under section 20 to interfere with an order not to register a boiler or not to grant or renew a certificate in respect thereof on the ground that the boiler does not conform to the regulations made under this Act may, within two months of the communication to him of such order, make an application to the Central Government for a revision of that order on the ground that such boilers are in use in other countries.


(2) Upon the receipt of such an application, the Central Government may, after calling for relevant records and other information from the appellate authority and considering the observations, if any, of that authority on the application and after obtaining such technical advice as the Central Government may consider necessary, pass such order in relation to the application, as the Central Government thinks fit; and, Where the revision is allowed, the order shall specify the terms and conditions on which any variations from the regulations made under this Act are to be dealt with during the examination of the boiler.]





1. Ins. by Act 18 of 1960, s. 10.

Section 21.Finality of orders.

1[21. Finality of orders.--2[An order of the Central Government under sections 20 and 20A,] or of the chief Inspector, or of a Deputy Chief Inspector, or of an Inspector, shall be final and shall not be called in question in any court.]






1. Subs. by s. 11, ibid., for section 21.

2. Subs. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 19, for "An order of the Central Government under section 20A and save as otherwise provided in sections 19, 20 and 20A, an order of an appellate authority" (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).



Section 22.Minor penalties.

Any owner of a boiler who refuses or without reasonable excuse neglects--


(i) to surrender a provisional order as required by section 9, or

(ii) to produce a certificate or provisional order when duly called upon to do so under section 15, or

(iii) to make over to the new owner of a boiler a certificate or provisional order as required by 1[Section 16; or]

2[(iv) to report an accident to a boiler or boiler component when so required under Section 18,]

shall be 3[liable to penalty] which may extend to 4[five thousand rupees].







1. Subs by Act 18 of 2023, s. 2 and the Schedule for "section 16," (w.e.f. 22-9-2023).

2. Ins. by s. 2 and the Schedule, ibid. (w.e.f. 22-9-2023).

3. Subs by s. 2 and the Schedule, ibid., for "punishable with fine" (w.e.f. 22-9-2023).

4. Subs. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 20, for "one hundred rupees" (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).



Section 23.Penalties for illegal use of boiler.

Any owner of a boiler who, in any case in which a certificate or provisional order is required for the use of the boiler under this Act, uses the boiler either without any such certificate or order being in force or at a higher pressure than that allowed thereby, shall be punishable with fine which may extend to 1[one lakh rupees], and, in the case of a continuing offence, with an additional fine which may extend to 2[one thousand rupees] for each day after the first day in regard to which he is convicted of having persisted in the offence.






1. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for "five hundred rupees" (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

2. Subs. by s. 21, ibid., for "one hundred rupees" (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).



Section 24.Other penalties.

Any person who--


1* * * *

(c) makes any structural alteration, addition or renewal in or to a boiler without first obtaining the sanction of the Chief Inspector when so required by section 12, or to a steam-pipe without first informing the Chief Inspector when so required by section 13, or

1* * * *

(e) tampers with a safety valve of a boiler so as to render it inoperative at the maximum pressure at which the use of the boiler is authorized under this Act.

2[(f) allows another person to go inside a boiler without effectively disconnecting the same in the prescribed manner from any steam or hot water connection with any other boiler or from fuel mains,]

shall be 3[punishable with imprisonment which may extend to two years or with fine which may extend to one lakh rupees, or with both]







1. Clauses (a), (b) and (d) omitted by s. 2 and the Schedule, ibid. (w.e.f. 22-9-2023).

2. Ins. by Act 18 of 1960, s. 12.

3. Subs. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 22, for "punishable with fine which may extend to five hundred rupees" (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).





Section 25.Penalty for tampering with register mark.

(1) Whoever removes, alters, defaces, renders invisible or otherwise tampers with the register number marked on a boiler in accordance with the provisions of this Act or any Act repealed hereby, shall be 1[liable to penalty] which may extend to 2[one lakh rupees].


(2) Whoever fraudulently marks upon a boiler a register number which has not been allotted to it under this Act or any Act repealed hereby, shall be punishable with imprisonment which may extend to two years, or with 3[fine which may extend to one lakh rupees or with both].







1. Subs. by Act 18 of 2023, s. 2 and the Schedule for "punishable with fine" (w.e.f. 22-9-2023).

2. Subs. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 23, for "five hundred rupees" (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

3. Subs. by s. 23, ibid., for "fine which may extend to one lakh rupees or with both" (w.e.f. 27-5-2008)



Section 26.Limitation and previous sanction for prosecutions.

No prosecution for an offence made punishable by or under this Act shall be instituted except within1[twenty-four months] from the date of the commission of the offence and no such prosecution shall be instituted without the previous sanction of the Chief Inspector.






1. Subs. by Act 18 of 1960, s. 13, for "six months".

Section 26A.Adjudication

1[26A. Adjudication.--(1) The State Government or the Union territory administration, as the case may be, for the purposes of determining the penalties under sections 22, 23, sub-section (1) of section 25 and section 30, may authorise the District Magistrate or the Additional District Magistrate, as the case may be, having jurisdiction, to be the adjudicating officer to hold an inquiry and impose penalty, in the manner as may be prescribed by the State Government or the Central Government, as the case may be.


(2) The adjudicating officer may summon and enforce the attendance of any person acquainted with the facts and circumstances of the case to give evidence or to produce any document, which in the opinion of the adjudicating officer, may be useful for, or relevant to, the subject-matter of the inquiry, and if, on such inquiry, he is satisfied that the person concerned has failed to comply with the provisions of sections 22, 23, sub-section (1) of section 25 and section 30, he may impose penalty:


Provided that no such penalty shall be imposed without giving the person concerned a reasonable opportunity of being heard.







1. Ins. by Act 18 of 2023, s. 2 and the Schedule (w.e.f. 22-9-2023).



Section 26B.Appeal.

1[26B. Appeal.--(1) Whoever aggrieved by the order, passed by the adjudicating officer under section 26A, may prefer an appeal to an officer not below the rank of Secretary to the State Government or the Union territory administration, as the case may be, to be an appellate authority, specially authorised by that Government or administration in this behalf, within sixty days from the date of receipt of order, in such form and manner as may be prescribed by the State Government or the Central Government, as the case may be.


(2) An appeal may be admitted after the expiry of the period of sixty days if the appellant satisfies the appellate authority that he had sufficient cause for not preferring the appeal within that period.

(3) The appellate authority may, after giving the parties to the appeal an opportunity of being heard, pass such order as he may think fit.

(4) An appeal under sub-section (1) shall be disposed of within sixty days from the date of filing.]





1. Ins. by Act 18 of 2023, s. 2 and the Schedule (w.e.f. 22-9-2023).



Section 27.Trial of offences.

No offence made punishable by or under this Act shall be tried by a Court inferior to that of a 1*** Magistrate of the first class.








1. Ins. by Act 11 of 1937, s. 4.



Section 27A.Central Boilers Board.

1[27A. Central Boilers Board.--(1) A Board to be called the Central Boilers Board shall be constituted to exercise the powers conferred by section 28.


2[(2) The Board shall consist of the following members, namely:--

(a) the Secretary to the Government of India incharge of the Department of the Central Government having administrative control of the Board who shall be the Chairperson ex officio;

(b) a senior technical officer conversant with the inspection and examination of boilers, to be nominated by the Government of each State (other than a Union territory);

(c) equal number of other persons as in sub-section (b) above to represent --

(i) Central Government,

(ii) the Bureau of Indian Standards,

(iii) boiler and boiler component manufacturers,

(iv) National laboratories,

(v) engineering consultancy agencies,

(vi) users of boilers, and

(vii) such other interests which in the opinion of the Central Government ought to be represented on the Board, to be nominated by the Central Government;

(d) Technical Adviser, Member-Secretary ex officio.

(3) The term of office of the members nominated under clauses (b) and (c) of sub-section (2) shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government.]

3[(4) The Board shall have full power to regulate by means of bye-laws or otherwise its own producer and the conduct of all business to be transacted by it, the constitution of committees and subcommittees of members and the delegation to them of any of the powers and duties of the Board.]

(5) The powers of the Board may be exercised notwithstanding any vacancy in the Board.]





1. Ins. by Act 11 of 1937, s. 4.

2. Subs. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 24, for sub-sections (2) and (3) (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).



Section 28.Power to make regulations.

1[(1)] The 2[Board] may, by notification in the Gazette of India, make regulations consistent with this Act for all or any of the following purposes, namely: --


3[(a) for laying down the standard conditions in respect of material, design, construction, erection, operation and maintenance which shall be required for the purposes of enabling the registration and certification of boilers, boiler components, boiler mountings and fittings under this Act;]

(b) for prescribing the method of determining the maximum pressure at which a boiler may be used ;

(c) for regulating the registration of boilers, prescribing the fees payable therefore,4[and for the inspection and examination of boilers or parts thereof] the drawings, specifications, certificates and particulars to be produced by the owner, the method of preparing a boiler for examination, the form of the Inspector's report thereon, the method of marking the register number, and the period within which such number is to be marked on the boiler;

(d) for regulating the inspection and examination of boilers and 5[boiler components, boiler mountings and fittings], and prescribing forms of certificates therefore ;

(e) for ensuring the safety of persons working inside a boiler; and

6[(ea) for prescribing the qualifications and experience subject to which the Inspecting Authorities, Competent Authorities and Competent Persons shall be recognised under this Act;

(eb) the conditions subject to which and the manner in which manufacturer of boiler components of material may be recognised;

(ec) facilities for design and construction which are required to be provided in the premises in which the manufacturing of any boiler or boiler component is carried out;

(ed) fee for the purposes of inspection or grant of recognition or any certificate under this Act;

(ef) procedure for examination and grant of Welders certificate;

(eg) powers and functions which the Board may delegate to the Technical Adviser;

(eh) documents to be enclosed along with the application for registration of boilers or renewal of a certificate authorising the use of boilers;

(ei) the manner of inspection of boilers;

(ej) the period for which a certificate authorising the use of a boiler may be renewed;

(ek) the conditions subject to which and the form in which Competent Person shall renew a certificate authorising the use of boilers;

(el) the manner and the form in which a Repairers certificate shall be issued;

(em) the manner in which the boiler shall be prepared for examination;

(en) drawings, specification, documents and other particulars which owner of a boiler is required to make available to the Competent Person;

(eo) the manner in which a person may be authorised to conduct energy audit and the manner in which such audit shall be conducted;

(ep) the manner in which disputes between the States with respect to registration of boilers shall be resolved.]

(f) for providing for any other matter which is not, in the opinion of the [Board], a matter of merely local or State importance.

7[(2) Every regulation made under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made before each House of Parliament, while it is in session, for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or in two or more successive sessions and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive aforesaid, both Houses agree in making any modification in the regulation or both Houses agree that the regulation should not be made, the regulation shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be; so, however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that regulation.]





1. Section 28 re-numbered as sub-section (1) thereof by Act 4 of 1986, s. 2 and the Schedule (w.e.f. 15-5-1986).

2. Subs. by Act 11 of 1937, s. 5, for "G.G. in C.".

3. Subs. by 49 of 2007, s. 25, for clause (a) (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

4. Ins. by Act 18 of 1960, s. 15.

5. Subs. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 25, for "steam-pipes" (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

6. Ins. by s. 25, ibid. (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

7. Ins. by Act 4 of 1986, s. 2 and the Schedule (w.e.f. 15-5-1986).



Year Description Hindi Description Files(Eng) Files(Hindi)
15-09-1950 Indian Boiler Regulations, 1950
24-03-1990 The Indian Boiler (Amendment) Regulations, 1990
24-03-1990 The Indian Boiler (Second Amendment) Regulations, 1990
09-10-1993 The Indian Boiler (Amendment) Regulations , 1993
23-10-1993 The Indian Boiler (Second Amendment) Regulations , 1993
25-12-1993 The Indian Boiler (Third Amendment) Regulations , 1993
26-02-1994 The Indian Boiler ( Amendment) Regulations , 1994 & Errata GSR -223
04-06-1994 The Indian Boiler (Second Amendment) Regulations , 1994
13-08-1994 The Indian Boiler (Third Amendment) Regulations , 1994
20-08-1994 The Indian Boiler (Fourth Amendment) Regulations , 1994
12-11-1994 The Indian Boiler (Fifth Amendment) Regulations , 1994
10-12-1994 The Indian Boiler (sixth Amendment) Regulations , 1994
25-02-1995 The Indian Boiler (Second Amendment) Regulations , 1995
04-03-1995 The Indian Boiler (Amendment) Regulations , 1995
09-11-1996 The Indian Boiler ( Amendment) Regulations , 1996
28-12-1996 The Indian Boiler (Third Amendment) Regulations , 1996
25-01-1997 The Indian Boiler (Second Amendment) Regulations , 1996
01-03-1997 The Indian Boiler ( Amendment) Regulations , 1997
29-03-1997 The Indian Boiler (Second Amendment) Regulations , 1997
21-11-1998 The Indian Boiler ( Amendment) Regulations , 1998
01-05-1999 The Indian Boiler ( Amendment) Regulations , 1999
08-05-1999 The Indian Boiler (Second Amendment) Regulations , 1999
31-07-1999 The Indian Boiler (Third Amendment) Regulations , 1999
23-10-1999 The Indian Boiler ( Fourth Amendment) Regulations , 1999
14-10-2000 The Indian Boiler ( Amendment) Regulations , 2000
14-04-2001 The Indian Boiler ( Amendment) Regulations , 2001
08-09-2001 The Indian Boiler (Second Amendment) Regulations , 2001
15-12-2001 The Indian Boiler ( Third Amendment) Regulations , 2001
13-04-2002 The Indian Boiler ( Amendment) Regulations , 2002
22-11-2003 The Indian Boiler ( Amendment) Regulations , 2003
10-06-2004 The Indian Boiler ( Amendment) Regulations , 2004
19-06-2004 The Indian Boiler ( Second Amendment) Regulations , 2004
07-08-2004 The Indian Boiler ( Third Amendment) Regulations , 2004
29-01-2005 The Indian Boiler ( Amendment) Regulations , 2005
21-02-2005 The Indian Boiler (Second Amendment) Regulations , 2005
26-02-2005 The Indian Boiler (Third Amendment) Regulations , 2005
24-12-2005 The Indian Boiler (Fourth Amendment) Regulations , 2005
04-02-2006 The Indian Boiler ( Amendment) Regulations , 2006
12-08-2006 The Indian Boiler ( Second Amendment) Regulations , 2006
18-11-2006 The Indian Boiler (Third Amendment) Regulations , 2006
17-03-2007 The Indian Boiler ( Amendment) Regulations , 2007
27-06-2008 The Indian Boiler ( Amendment) Regulations , 2008
04-12-2008 The Indian Boiler (Second Amendment) Regulations , 2008
07-10-2010 The Indian Boiler ( Amendment) Regulations , 2010
28-10-2010 The Indian Boiler (Second Amendment) Regulations , 2010
17-01-2014 The Indian Boiler ( Amendment) Regulations , 2014
15-04-2015 The Indian Boiler ( Amendment) Regulations , 2015
26-08-2015 The Indian Boiler (Second Amendment) Regulations, 2015
02-05-2017 The Indian Boiler ( Amendment) Regulations , 2017
Section 28A.Power of Central Government to make rules.

1[28A. Power of Central Government to make rules.--2[(1) The Central Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules to carry out the provisions of this Act.


(1A) In particular, and without prejudice to the generality of the foregoing power, such rules may provide for all or any of the following matters, namely:--

(a) the procedure to be followed in making applications under section 20A and the fees payable in respect of such application;

(b) the qualifications and experience of persons to be appointed as Chief Inspectors, Deputy Chief Inspectors and Inspectors;

(c) the manner in which appeals may be preferred to the Board, the fees payable in respect of appeals and the procedure to be followed of disposing such appeals;

(d) the term of office of the members and the manner in which they shall be nominated under clauses (b) and (c) of sub-section (2) of section 27A;

(e) the qualifications and experience of the Technical Adviser;

(f) for requiring boilers to be under the charge of persons holding certificate of proficiency or competency and for prescribing the conditions on which such certificate may be granted;

(g) the manner in which and the person who shall conduct inquiry into the accident.]

(2) Every rule made under sub-section (1) shall be laid as soon as may be after it is made before each House of Parliament while it is in session for a total period of thirty days which may be comprised in one session or 3[in two or more successive sessions, and if, before the expiry of the session immediately following the session or the successive sessions aforesaid] both Houses agree in making any modification in the rule or both Houses agree that the rule should not be made, the rule shall thereafter have effect only in such modified form or be of no effect, as the case may be, so however, that any such modification or annulment shall be without prejudice to the validity of anything previously done under that rule.]





1. Ins. by Act 18 of 1960, s. 16.

2. Subs. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 26, for sub-section (1) (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

3. Subs. by Act 4 of 1986, s. 2 and the Schedule, for certain words (w.e.f. 15-5-1986).



Year Description Hindi Description Files(Eng) Files(Hindi)
05-12-2008 Central Boilers Board (Nomination of Members) Rules, 2008
15-03-2011 The Boiler Operation Engineers' Rules, 2011
15-03-2011 The Boiler Attendants' Rules, 2011
07-03-2012 The Chief Inspectors, Deputy Chief Inspectors and Inspectors (qualification and experience) Rules, 2012
09-05-2012 The Boiler Attendants' (Amendment) Rules, 2012
25-10-2013 The Boiler Appeal Rules, 2013
11-08-2014 The Boiler Attendants' (Amendment) Rules, 2014
17-05-2016 The Boiler Attendants' (Amendment) Rules, 2016
17-05-2016 The Boiler Operation Engineers' (Amendment) Rules 2016
Section 29.Power to make rules.

1[(1)] The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, make rules consistent with this Act and the regulations made there under for all or any of the following purposes, namely :--


2[(a) the powers and duties of the Chief Inspector, Deputy Chief Inspectors and Inspectors]

(b) for regulating the transfer of boilers;

(c) for providing for the registration and certification of boilers in accordance with the regulations made under this Act ;

3* * * *



(e) for prescribing the times within which Inspectors shall be required to examine boilers under section 7 or section 8 ;

4[(f) fee payable for registration of boilers;]

(g) for regulating inquires into accidents;

5[(h) the manner in which appeals shall be preferred to the Chief Inspector and the procedure to be followed for hearing such appeals;]

6[(ha) the manner of holding inquiry and imposing penalty under sub-section (1) of section 26A;

(hb) the form and manner of preferring appeal under sub-section (1) of section 26B;]

(i) for determining the mode of disposal of fees, costs and penalties levied under this Act; and

7* * * *

8* * * *

9(2) Every rule made by the State Government under this Act shall be laid, as soon as may be after it is made, before the State Legislature.]





1. Section 29 re-numbered as sub-section (1) by, s. 2 and the Schedule, ibid. (w.e.f. 15-5-1986).

2. Subs. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 27 for clause (a) (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).

3. Clause (d) omitted by s. 27, ibid. (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

4. Subs. by s. 27, ibid., for clause (f) (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

5. Subs. by s. 27, ibid., for clause (h) (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

6. Ins. by Act 18 of 2023, s. 2 and the Schedule (w.e.f. 22-9-2023).

7. Clause (j) omitted by Act 49 of 2007, s. 27, (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

8. The proviso rep. by the A.O. 1937.

9. Ins. by Act 4 of 1986, s. 2 and the Schedule (w.e.f. 15-5-1986).





Section 30.Penalty for breach of rules.

Any regulation or rule made under section 28 or section 29 1[may direct that a person contravening such regulation or rule shall be 2[liable to penalty, in the case of a first contravention, with penalty] which may extend to 3[one thousand rupees], and in the case of any 4[subsequent contravention, with penalty] which may extend to 5[one lakh rupees]].




1. Subs. by Act 18 of 1960, s. 18 for certain words.

2. Subs. by Act 18 of 2023, s. 2 and the Schedule for “punishable, in the case of a first offence, with fine” (w.e.f. 22-9-2023).

3. Subs. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 28, for “one hundred rupees” (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

4. Subs. by Act 18 of 2023, s. 2 and the Schedule for “subsequent offence, with fine” (w.e.f. 22-9-2023).

5. Subs. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 28, for “one thousand rupees” (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

Section 31.Publication of regulations and rules.

(1) The power to make regulations and rules conferred by sections 28 and 29 shall be subject to the condition of the regulations and rules being made after previous publication.


(2) Regulations and rules so made shall be published in the Gazette of India and the local official Gazette, respectively, and, on such publication, shall have effect as if enacted in this Act.




Section 31A.Power of Central Government to give directions.

1[31A. Power of Central Government to give directions.--The Central Government may give such directions as it may deem necessary to a State Government regarding the carrying into execution of the provisions of this Act, and the State Government shall comply with such directions.]






1. Ins. by Act 18 of 1960, s. 19.

Section 32.Recovery of fees, etc.

All fees cost and penalties levied under this Act shall be recoverable as arrears of land revenue.





Section 33.Applicability to the Government.

Save as otherwise expressly provided, this Act shall apply to boilers and 1[boiler components] belonging to the Government.






1. Subs by Act 49 of 2007, s. 29, for "steam-pipes" (w.e.f. 27-5-2008).

Section 34.Exemptions.

1[(1) The State Government may, by notification in the Official Gazette, exempt from the operation of this Act, subject to such conditions and restrictions as it thinks fit, any boilers or classes or types of boilers used exclusively for the heating of buildings or the supply of hot water.]


2[(2) In case of any emergency the State Government may by general or special order in writing, exempt any boilers or steam-pipes or any class of boilers or steam-pipes or any boiler or steam-pipe from the operation of all or any of the provisions of this Act.]

3[(3) If the State Government is satisfied that having regard to the material, design or construction of boilers and to the need for the rapid industrialisation of the country, it is necessary so to do, it may, by notification in the Official Gazette and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by regulations, exempt any boiler or boiler components in the whole or any part, of the State from the operation of all or any of the provisions of this Act.]





1. Ins. by Act 9 of 1929, s. 3.

2. Subs. by Act 18 of 1960, s. 20, for sub-section (2). Earlier section 34 was re-numbered as sub-section (2) of the said Act by Act 9 of 1929, s.3

3. Subs. by Act 49 of 2007, s. 30, for sub-section (3) (w.e.f. 7-10-2010).



Section 35.[Repealed.].

[Repeal of enactments.]--Rep. by the Repealing Act, 1927 (12 of 1927) s. 2 and the Schedule.