Section 10 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981
Where any foreign vessel is used in contravention of the provisions of section 3, the owner or master of such vessel shall,--
- (a)in a case where such contravention takes place in any area within the territorial waters of India, be punishable with imprisonment for a term not exceeding three years or with fine not exceeding rupees fifteen lakhs or with both; and
- (b)in a case where such contravention takes place in any area within the exclusive economic zone of India, be punishable with fine not exceeding rupees ten lakhs.
Summary
- This section establishes the punishments for breaking the ban on foreign fishing mentioned in Section 3 of the Act.
- If the illegal fishing happens in the territorial waters of India, the punishment is up to three years in prison, a fine up to fifteen lakh rupees, or both.
- If the illegal fishing happens further out in the exclusive economic zone of India, the punishment is only a fine of up to ten lakh rupees.
- The penalties apply directly to the owner or the master (captain) of the foreign vessel.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. What is the highest fine for illegal fishing in the exclusive economic zone?
The maximum fine in that area is ten lakh rupees.
2. Can a captain go to prison for illegal fishing?
Yes, but only if the fishing happened within the territorial waters of India, where the penalty includes up to three years in prison.
3. Does this rule punish the ordinary crew members?
No, the text specifically states that the owner or master of the vessel is the one punished.
Test yourself
Q1.How does Section 10 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981 connect to Section 3 of the Act?
Q2.Under Section 10 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981, what happens if Section 3 is violated within the territorial waters of India?
Q3.Under Section 10 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981, what is the maximum punishment for breaking the Section 3 rules in the exclusive economic zone?
Q4.Who is held responsible and punished under Section 10 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981?
Q5.If a vessel is caught violating Section 3 in territorial waters, what is the maximum prison sentence under Section 10 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981?