Section 57 of The Navy Act, 1957
Every officer subject to naval law in command of any ship of the Indian Navy who receives on board or permits to be received on board such ship any goods or merchandise whatsoever other than for the sole use of the ship or persons belonging to the ship, except goods and merchandise on board any ship which may be shipwrecked or in imminent danger either on the high seas or in some port, creek, or harbour, for the purpose of preserving them for their proper owners, or except such goods or merchandise as he may at any time be ordered to take or receive on board by order of the Central Government or his superior officer, shall be punished with dismissal from the naval service or such other punishment as is hereinafter mentioned.
Summary
- This provision forbids naval officers in command of a ship from bringing unauthorized commercial goods or merchandise on board.
- Goods are generally only permitted if they are for the sole use of the ship itself or for the people belonging to the ship.
- An officer is allowed to take on goods to save them for their proper owners if another ship is wrecked or in imminent danger.
- Officers can also load merchandise if they receive a direct order to do so from the Central Government or from a superior officer.
- The penalty for taking unauthorized goods is dismissal from the naval service or a lesser punishment.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. Can a naval captain ever bring commercial goods on board under Section 57 of The Navy Act, 1957?
Yes, Section 57 of the Navy law allows it if the goods are from a wrecked ship in danger to preserve them, or if ordered by the Central Government or a superior officer.
2. What is the main punishment for unauthorized cargo under Section 57 of the 1957 naval act?
According to Section 57 of The Navy Act, 1957, an officer taking unauthorized goods on board shall be punished with dismissal from the naval service or another punishment.
3. Under Section 57 of The Navy Act, 1957, are goods for the ship's crew allowed on board?
Yes, Section 57 of the Navy act specifically exempts goods or merchandise that are for the sole use of the ship or persons belonging to the ship.
Test yourself
Q1.Under Section 57 of The Navy Act, 1957, when is it lawful to take outside merchandise on board a naval ship without a direct order?
Q2.Who must give the order for an officer to lawfully receive otherwise prohibited merchandise under Section 57 of the naval law?
Q3.What penalty is specified in Section 57 of The Navy Act, 1957 for taking unauthorized goods on board?
Q4.To whom does Section 57 of the 1957 Navy act specifically apply?