Section 23 of The Extradition Act, 1962
Where the offence in respect of which the surrender or return of a fugitive criminal is sought was committed on board any vessel on the high seas or any aircraft while in the air outside India or the Indian territorial waters which comes into any port or aerodrome of India, the Central Government and any magistrate having jurisdiction in such port or aerodrome may exercise the powers conferred by this Act.
Summary
- This rule applies to crimes committed on ships on the open ocean or planes flying in the air outside of India.
- If the ship or plane then arrives at a port or airport inside India, Indian authorities can take charge.
- The Central Government can exercise its powers under this Act in these situations.
- The local magistrate in charge of that specific port or airport also gets the power to act.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. What happens if a crime occurs on a plane outside Indian airspace?
If the aircraft later lands in an Indian aerodrome, the authorities can exercise their powers.
2. Which local official handles a crime that happened on a ship at sea once it arrives?
Any magistrate who has jurisdiction in the port where the vessel arrives.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 23 of The Extradition Act, 1962, which transportation methods trigger this specific jurisdiction rule?
Q2.Under Section 23 of The Extradition Act, 1962, what event activates the jurisdiction of Indian authorities over a crime committed in an aircraft outside India?
Q3.Under Section 23 of The Extradition Act, 1962, which local official gains the power to exercise the Act's powers when an affected ship docks in India?
Q4.Under Section 23 of The Extradition Act, 1962, which higher authority also has the power to act when an aircraft lands in India after a crime in the air?