The Ministry of Home Affairs (MHA) has authorised the Lieutenant Governors and Administrators of eight Union Territories, including Chandigarh and Jammu and Kashmir, to exercise the powers and discharge the functions of the State Government under the Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982. This move ensures that civil aviation safety measures are effectively implemented in regions without a state government structure.
Notification Details
In a notification issued on June 25, the MHA stated that the President has issued the order in exercise of powers under Article 239(1) of the Constitution. The notification applies to the Union Territories of Delhi, Jammu and Kashmir, Puducherry, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, Chandigarh, Lakshadweep, Ladakh, and Dadra and Nagar Haveli and Daman and Diu.
Under the order, the Lieutenant Governors or Administrators of these Union Territories will exercise the powers assigned to the State Government under the Act. These powers will be exercised subject to the control of the President and in concurrence with the Chief Justice of the High Court having jurisdiction over the respective Union Territory.
Legal Framework for Civil Aviation Safety
The Suppression of Unlawful Acts against Safety of Civil Aviation Act, 1982 provides the legal framework for dealing with offences that threaten the safety and security of civil aviation in India. It covers a range of unlawful acts, including hijacking, sabotage, and other violent acts that endanger aircraft or passengers.
As Union Territories do not generally have State Governments, the notification authorises their Administrators or Lieutenant Governors to exercise the statutory powers of the State Government under the Act. This arrangement will remain in force until further orders, ensuring continuous enforcement of aviation safety laws.
Impact on Union Territories
The authorisation empowers local administrators to take swift action against any unlawful acts threatening civil aviation. This is particularly significant for Union Territories like Jammu and Kashmir and Ladakh, which have strategic importance and require robust security measures. The notification was published in the Official Gazette on June 25, marking its official effect.
According to the MHA, the order is aimed at strengthening the implementation of the Civil Aviation Safety Act across all Union Territories, ensuring that there is no legal vacuum in handling aviation-related offences. The move is part of the government's broader efforts to enhance aviation security in the country.
