Architects Act, 19721
[Act 20 of 1972]
[31st May, 1972]
An Act to provide for the registration of architects and for matters connected therewith
Be it enacted by Parliament in the Twenty-third Year of the Republic of India as follows:
Prefatory Note-Statement of Objects and Reasons.-(1) Since Independence and more particularly with the implementation of Five-Year Plans, the building construction activity in our country has expanded almost on a phenomenal scale. A large variety of buildings, many of extreme complexity and magnitude, like multi-storeyed office buildings, factory buildings, residential houses, are being constructed each year. With this increase in building activity, many unqualified persons calling themselves as architects are undertaking the construction of buildings which are uneconomical and quite frequently unsafe, thus bringing into disrepute the profession of architects. Various organisations, including the Indian Institute of Architects, have repeatedly emphasised the need for statutory regulation to protect the general public from unqualified persons working as architects. With the passing of this legislation, it will be unlawful for any person to designate himself as "architect" unless he has the requisite qualifications and experience and is registered under the Act. The legislation is generally on the same lines as similar Acts in other countries.
(2) The main features of the Bill are-
(a) the creation of a body corporate by the name of "Council of Architecture";
(b) vesting the requisite powers for the registration of architects in the Council;
(c) the enrolment initially of persons holding a degree or diploma in architecture recognised by the Central Government or possessing other qualifications which may be prescribed by the Central Government or of persons who are proved to the satisfaction of the Council to have been engaged in practice as architects for a period of not less than five years before the commencement of the proposed legislation;
(d) subsequent enrolment of persons who hold degrees or diplomas in architecture recognised by the Central Government or who possess other qualifications that may be prescribed by the Central Government;
(e) holding of enquiries into misconduct of registered architects and taking suitable action;
(f) prescribing standards of professional conduct and etiquette and code of ethics for architects; and
(g) assessment of the standards of education and training of architects within the country.
(3) The legislation protects the title "architects" but does not make the design, supervision and construction of buildings as an exclusive responsibility of architects. Other professionals like engineers will be free to engage themselves in their normal vocation in respect of building construction works provided that they do not style themselves as architects.
(4) The Bill also stipulates that after the expiry of two years from the date of the Act coming into force, a person who is registered as an architect shall get preference for appointment as an architect under the Central or State Government or in any other local body or institution which is supported or aided from the public or local funds or in any institution recognised by the Central Government.
(5) The proposed Bill seeks to achieve the above objects.
1. Received the assent of the President on May 31, 1972, published in Gazette of India, Extra., Part II, Section 1, dated 31st May, 1972, pp. 159-174.
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