The Biodiversity Act of India was passed by the Parliament in the year 2002. This act is also known as the Biological Diversity Act, 2002. It is an important legislation that aims to conserve India's rich biological diversity and promote sustainable use of its biological resources.

Key features of the Biodiversity Act of India:

1. Conservation of biological diversity: The main objective of this act is to conserve India's biological diversity and protect its ecosystems, species, and genetic resources.

2. Regulation of access to biological resources: The act provides for the regulation of access to India's biological resources by requiring prior approval from the National Biodiversity Authority (NBA) for any research or commercial use of these resources.

3. Fair and equitable sharing of benefits: The act also ensures that there is a fair and equitable sharing of benefits arising from the use of India's biological resources. It mandates that a portion of the benefits derived from the commercial use of these resources be shared with the local communities that have conserved them.

4. Establishment of biodiversity management committees: The act provides for the establishment of biodiversity management committees at the local level to facilitate the conservation and sustainable use of biological resources.

5. Penalties for violation: The act also imposes penalties for violations of its provisions, including imprisonment and fines.

Overall, the Biodiversity Act of India is an important legislation that aims to conserve India's rich biological diversity and promote sustainable use of its biological resources. It provides a framework for the regulation of access to biological resources and ensures that the benefits arising from their use are shared fairly and equitably.