WINSON COMPETITIVE GUIDE
Salient Features of Admirability Bill, 2016 :
Confers admiralty jurisdiction on High Courts located
in coastal states of India, thus extending their upto
territorial waters.
The jurisdiction will be extendable by the Union
Government notification upto exclusive economic zone
(EEZ) or any other maritime zone or islands constituting
part of India.
It applies to every vessel irrespective of place of domicile
or residence of owner. It does not apply to naval
auxiliary, warships and vessels used for noncommercial purposes.
Inland vessels and vessels under construction are
excluded from its application. But it empowers Union
Government to make it applicable to these vessels also
by a notification.
It lists the jurisdiction for adjudicating on a set of
maritime claims. A vessel can be arrested in certain
circumstances in order to ensure security against a
maritime claim.
Background India is a leading maritime nation and
maritime transportation caters to about 95% of its
merchandise trade volume.
However, the admiralty jurisdiction of Indian courts
under the present statutory framework flow from laws
enacted in the British era.
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