The Tamil Nadu Lifts Act, 1997
The Tamil Nadu Lifts Act, 1997, Act No. 35 of 1997, was enacted by the Tamil Nadu Legislative Assembly and received the Governor's assent on 17 May 1997. It regulates the erection, maintenance and working of specified lifts throughout Tamil Nadu through permissions, licences and safety inspections. It is amended by Act 35 of 2025, which the supplied copy identifies as appended, although the extract does not set out the amendment's changes.
Scope and people affected
The Tamil Nadu Lifts Act, 1997 applies throughout Tamil Nadu. It covers powered hoisting mechanisms designed to carry passengers, goods or both in a car moving substantially vertically. It does not cover a hoist or lift to which the Factories Act, 1948 applies.
The definition of an owner is broad. It includes a lessee, licensee, mortgagee in possession, and any person or authority with possession and control of the place where the lift is installed. This can include a managing trustee, agent, manager, superintendent or secretary.
Permission and licensing requirements
The Tamil Nadu Lifts Act, 1997 establishes the following controls:
- An owner must obtain the Inspector's permission before erecting a lift.
- The application must provide technical information, including the lift type, speed, capacity, passenger limit, car and counterweight details, supporting cables, pit depth and overhead arrangements.
- Permission to erect a lift is valid for six months from the date it is granted.
- The owner must report completion to the Inspector within one month after erection is completed.
- A lift cannot be worked without a licence from the Inspector.
- A licence is valid for one year and is renewable yearly after inspection and payment of the prescribed fee.
- A renewal application must be made at least three months before the licence expires.
- An owner cannot add to or alter a lift installation without the Inspector's prior written permission.
Owners of lifts already operating when the legislation commenced could continue temporarily, but had to obtain a licence within two months from commencement.
Installation, inspection and safety
The Tamil Nadu Lifts Act, 1997 requires erection, addition or alteration work to be entrusted to the lift manufacturer or to a company of electrical and mechanical engineers approved by the Inspector.
An Inspector, or an appointed assistant, may enter and inspect a lift site after giving reasonable notice. If an installation is unsafe, the Inspector may require repairs or alterations within a specified time and may direct that the lift stop operating until the work is completed. The owner must comply and report completion in writing.
An affected person may appeal an Inspector's safety direction within thirty days of receiving it. A direction stopping a lift remains effective during the appeal unless the Appellate Authority stays it. Licences may also be suspended or cancelled for fraud, misrepresentation, non-compliance or breach of licence conditions.
This summary is generated from the source document to help you find what is relevant. The PDF above is authoritative. For advice on your own property, use LandLens One or speak to a qualified professional.
Common questions
Can I install a lift in my Tamil Nadu property without prior approval?
No. The owner must obtain permission from the Inspector before erecting the lift and must follow the terms and conditions of that permission.
How long is a lift licence valid?
A lift licence is valid for one year from the date it is granted. It is renewable yearly after inspection, and the renewal application must be submitted at least three months before expiry.
Can an Inspector stop an unsafe lift from operating?
Yes. The Inspector may require repairs or alterations and direct that the lift stop operating until the required work is completed.
Who may carry out lift installation or alteration work?
The work must be entrusted to the lift manufacturer or to a company of electrical and mechanical engineers approved by the Inspector.
