Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill introduced in Lok Sabha

External affairs minister introduced the Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill 2019 at Lok Sabha. This bill seeks to provide for stringent punishment, including death penalty or life imprisonment, to those involved in piracy at sea. The proposed law is aimed at promoting the safety and security of India’s maritime trade including the safety of its crew members, according to the bill. The government is bringing the law as part of commitment made by India while signing the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) in 1982. The UNCLOS was ratified by India in 1995.

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According to the statement of objects, India does not have a separate domestic legislation on piracy. The provisions of the Indian Penal Code pertaining to armed robbery and the Admiralty jurisdiction of certain courts have been invoked in the past to prosecute pirates apprehended by the Indian Navy and the Coast Guard. “But in the absence of any specific law relating to the offence of maritime piracy in India, problems are being faced in ensuring effective prosecution of the pirates.