Rajya Sabha on Wednesday passed a Bill which the government said would provide an effective legal instrument to combat maritime piracy. The Bill provides for stringent punishment to those convicted of such crimes.
The Bill was passed by Lok Sabha earlier this week.
Moving The Maritime Anti-Piracy Bill, External Affairs Minister S Jaishankar said, “Ensuring maritime security is key to safeguarding India’s security and economic well-being.” He said the security of sea lanes of communication is critical as more than 90 per cent of India’s trade takes place by sea routes and more than 80 per cent of the country’s hydrocarbon requirements was sea-borne.
He said the Bill addresses the issue of death penalty as an “exceptional case” and the quantum of punishments envisaged are in line with the gravity of offences.
“In the absence of a specific law or a legal provision in the Indian Penal Code or the Criminal Procedure Code on piracy, this Bill would provide an effective legal instrument to combat maritime piracy. It would enable us to discharge our obligations under the UNCLOS which we had signed in 1982 and ratified in 1995,” he said.
He said between 2008 and 2011, there have been 27 maritime incidents in which 288 Indian nationals were involved. And between 2014 and 2022, there were 19 piracy cases in which 155 Indian crew members were involved and the numbers show why the country needs this bill so badly, he said.
Members cutting across party lines supported the Bill although some of them pointed out that a few provisions could be improved. Supporting the Bill, Congress member Vivek Tankha said India will be delighted to have this law but asked the government to look at some of the harsh provisions, including bail provisions for those arrested.
Regarding suggestions about having a standard operating procedure for better enforcement, the minister said the suggestion is well taken as it would help in its enforcement. He said designated courts will be set up in consultation with the Chief Justice of India.
Source: Indian Express
