Section 14 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981
Where any foreign vessel is found in any maritime zone of India in contravention of the provisions of section 7, the owner or master of such vessel shall be punishable with fine not exceeding rupees five lakhs.
Summary
- The penalty is a fine that can go up to five lakh rupees.
- Section 7 requires any foreign vessel entering Indian maritime zones without a fishing license or permit to keep its fishing gear safely packed and stowed away.
- This ensures that vessels just passing through the waters cannot easily start illegal fishing.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Who can be fined under Section 14?
The owner or the master of the foreign vessel can be fined.
2. What is the maximum fine under Section 14?
The maximum fine is rupees five lakhs.
3. What exactly is the violation that leads to this fine?
The fine is for contravening Section 7, which means entering a maritime zone without a valid license or permit and failing to keep fishing gear properly stowed.
4. Can a vessel without a license enter the maritime zone at all?
Yes, they can enter, but according to Section 7, they must keep their fishing gear stowed in the prescribed manner at all times while in the zone.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 14 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981, what is the maximum fine for contravening Section 7?
Q2.Under Section 7 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981, a foreign vessel without a valid license must keep its fishing gear stowed. According to Section 14 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981, who is held responsible and punished if this rule is broken?
Q3.Under Section 7 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981, what specific action is required from foreign vessels that do not have a license when they enter the maritime zones?
Q4.A foreign vessel enters the Indian territorial waters without a license but perfectly follows the rules of Section 7 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981 by stowing its gear. Can the captain be penalized under Section 14 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981?
Q5.Under Section 14 of The Maritime Zones of India (Regulation of Fishing by Foreign Vessels) Act, 1981, does the court have the power to send the captain to prison for violating Section 7?