Section 67 of The Navy Act, 1957
Every person subject to naval law who breaks bulk on board any vessel taken as prize, or detained in the exercise of any beligerent right or under any law relating to piracy or to the slave trade or to the customs, with intent dishonestly to misappropriate anything therein or belonging thereto, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or such other punishment as is hereinafter mentioned.
Summary
- This rule makes it illegal to break open cargo holds or packages on a captured or detained vessel.
- It applies to ships taken as a prize in war or detained for piracy, slave trading, or customs violations.
- The offence happens if a person breaks bulk with the intention of dishonestly stealing anything inside.
- The punishment for this crime is up to two years in prison.
Practical examples
FAQ
1. What does it mean to commit an offence under Section 67 of The Navy Act, 1957?
Under Section 67 of The Navy Act, 1957, it is an offence to break bulk on board a prize ship or detained vessel with the intent to dishonestly misappropriate anything belonging to it.
2. Does Section 67 of the 1957 naval law only apply to ships taken as a prize in war?
No. Section 67 of The Navy Act, 1957 also applies to vessels detained under laws relating to piracy, the slave trade, or customs.
3. What is the punishment for breaking open cargo to steal it under Section 67 of the defence law?
A person who breaks bulk with intent to steal under Section 67 of The Navy Act, 1957 shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to two years or other punishment.
Test yourself
Q1.Besides ships taken as a prize, what other types of detained vessels are covered under Section 67 of The Navy Act, 1957?
Q2.What specific intent makes breaking bulk a crime under Section 67 of The Navy Act, 1957?
Q3.What is the maximum imprisonment allowed under Section 67 of the naval law for breaking bulk on a prize ship?
Q4.A sailor unlawfully takes a gold watch resting on a table on a prize ship (violating Section 64). Another sailor breaks open a sealed wooden crate on the same ship to steal a painting inside (violating Section 67). What is the difference in their penalties under The Navy Act, 1957?