Anti-hijacking law: Hijackers can now get death penalty
A bill to repeal old 1982 act was introduced by civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju.
New Delhi: India’s new anti-hijacking law, which provides for the death penalty for hijackers in the event of loss of life, has come into force following a government notification. The 2016 Anti-Hijacking Act replaces a 1982-vintage law.
Other punishments in the new law are life-imprisonment, besides confiscation of movable and immovable properties.
The new law, which has come into effect after its notification on July 5, includes several acts within the definition of hijacking including making a threat, attempts or abatement to commit the offence.
According to news agency reports, those who organise or direct others to commit such an offence will also be considered to have committed the offence of hijacking. The new law mandates the Centre to confer powers of investigation, arrest and prosecution on any officer of the central government or National Investigation Agency.
A bill to repeal old 1982 act was introduced by civil aviation minister Ashok Gajapathi Raju.