Lok Sabha passes Admiralty Bill, 2016

Bill confers powers on High Courts in coastal states; jurisdiction extends up to territorial waters

The Lok Sabha has passed the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of Maritime Claims) Bill, 2016.

The Bill aims to establish a legal framework to consolidate the existing laws relating to admiralty jurisdiction of courts, admiralty proceedings on maritime claims, arrest of vessels and related issues. It also aims to replace archaic laws which are hindering efficient governance.

The Bill confers admiralty jurisdiction on High Courts located in coastal states of India and this jurisdiction extends up to territorial waters.

Introduced during the winter session of Parliament, the Bill came up for discussion in the Lok Sabha yesterday.

The Minister of State ( RT&H, S, C&F), Mansukh Mandaviya, presented an overview of the Bill in the

House, highlighting the need for repealing five obsolete British statutes on admiralty jurisdiction in civil matters, which are 126 to 177 years old.

The Bill provides for prioritisation of maritime claims and maritime liens while providing protection to owners, charterers, operators, crew members and seafarers at the same time.

During the course of discussion, thirteen members presented their views and raised various questions which were replied to by Shri Mandaviya. The Bill was then passed by the House.