Section 15 of The Coastal Shipping Act, 2025 in hindi
Whoever engages in coasting trade in contravention of the provisions of section 3, shall be punishable with imprisonment for a term which may extend to six months, or with fine which may extend to fifteen lakh rupees, or four times the value of all fees or commission or payments received by the owner or charterer of the vessel for the voyage, whichever is greater, or with both, and the vessel shall also be liable for detention under section 29.
Summary
- This section establishes criminal punishments for anyone who engages in coasting trade in violation of Section 3.
- Under Section 3, vessels other than Indian vessels are prohibited from participating in local coasting trade unless they have a licence.
- The penalties include imprisonment for a term that may extend to six months.
- The financial penalty can be a fine that may extend to fifteen lakh rupees, or four times the payments received for the voyage, whichever is greater.
- The court has the power to sentence the violator to both imprisonment and the calculated fine.
- The offending vessel is also liable to be detained under Section 29 of the Act.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. How is the fine calculated under Section 15 if a vessel owner earns a high payment for the illegal voyage?
The fine can extend to fifteen lakh rupees, or four times the total fees, commission, or payments received by the owner or charterer for that voyage, whichever of these two amounts is greater.
2. Who can be prosecuted under Section 15 for violating Section 3?
Anyone who engages in coasting trade in contravention of Section 3, which includes the operators of the vessel or anyone who hires others to run the vessel in violation of the licensing rules, can be prosecuted.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 15 of The Coastal Shipping Act, 2025, what is the maximum term of imprisonment that can be imposed for engaging in coasting trade in contravention of Section 3?
Q2.Under Section 15 of The Coastal Shipping Act, 2025, if an owner of a foreign vessel receives a payment of two lakh rupees for an illegal coasting voyage, what is the maximum fine that can be imposed?
Q3.Under Section 15 of The Coastal Shipping Act, 2025, if an owner of a foreign vessel receives a payment of five lakh rupees for an illegal coasting voyage, what is the maximum fine that can be imposed?
Q4.Under Section 15 of The Coastal Shipping Act, 2025, which cross-references Section 3, who is exempted from the licensing requirement and therefore cannot be punished under Section 15 for engaging in coasting trade?
Q5.Under Section 15 of The Coastal Shipping Act, 2025, which cross-references Section 29, which of the following officers has the authority to physically detain a vessel that has violated Section 3?