Lok Sabha Passes Aircraft (Amendment) Bill To Raise Maximum Cap On Fines From 10L To 1Cr [Read Bill]

The Lok Sabha on Tuesday passed the Aircraft Bill, 2020, to bring the Aircraft Act, 1934 in line with the internationally accepted standards, procedures and practices as laid down by the International Civil Aviation Organisation. As per the Statement of Objects and Reasons annexed to it, the 2012 and 2105 audits conducted by the ICAO indicated a need to amend the Aircraft Act: -to give proper recognition to the regulators under the Act; -to empower the departmental officers; and -to enhance the maximum quantum of fines; It is in this backdrop, Minister of State for Parliamentary Affairs Arjun Ram Meghwal introducing the Bill on behalf of Minister of Civil Aviation Hardeep Singh Puri said, that the amendments were being proposed. Salient Features: Authorities To give effect to the first two recommendations made by the ICAO, the Bill converts the following three existing bodies under the Ministry of Civil Aviation into statutory bodies: Directorate General of Civil Aviation Bureau of Civil Aviation Security Aircraft Accidents Investigation Bureau Each of these bodies will be headed by a Director General, as appointed by the central government. Offences and Penalties Presently, the Act prescribes a penalty of imprisonment of up to two years or of fine up to Rs 10 lakh, or both, for offences such as: carrying arms, explosives, or other dangerous goods aboard aircraft, contravening any rules notified under the Act, and constructing building or structures within the specified radius around an aerodrome reference point.