ARTICLES OF WARCentral

Section 48 of The Navy Act, 1957

Every person subject to naval law, who,--

(a)quarrels, fights with or strikes any other person, whether such person is or is not subject to naval law; or
(b)uses reproachful or provoking speeches or gestures tending to make a quarrel or disturbance; or
(c)behaves in a disorderly manner; shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or such other punishment as is hereinafter mentioned.

Summary

Section 48 of the military law penalizes sailors for fighting, quarrelling, and causing disturbances.
It applies when a person subject to the law strikes or fights with anyone else.
The victim of the fight does not need to be a member of the navy.
Using provoking speeches or gestures that tend to make a quarrel is also a crime.
The maximum punishment for these offences is two years of imprisonment.

1Two sailors get into a fistfight over a game of cards in the barracks on March 12, 2026.

2A naval mechanic makes offensive hand gestures at a civilian merchant on May 5, 2026, almost starting a brawl.

1. Under Section 48 of The Navy Act, 1957, does it matter if the person I fight is a civilian?

No, Section 48 of the Act applies whether the other person is subject to naval law or not.

2. Can I go to jail for just using provoking gestures under Section 48 of the naval law?

Yes, Section 48 of the defence law allows for up to two years in prison for using provoking gestures that tend to make a disturbance.

3. What is the maximum jail time for fighting under Section 48 of The Navy Act, 1957?

The maximum jail time under Section 48 of the Act is two years.

Q1.According to Section 48 of The Navy Act, 1957, who can be the victim of a quarrel or fight for it to be an offence?

Q2.Under Section 48 of The Navy Act, 1957, what kind of speech is explicitly penalized?

Q3.What is the maximum length of imprisonment authorized by Section 48 of The Navy Act, 1957?

Q4.Which of the following is considered an offence under Section 48 of The Navy Act, 1957?