Source : Latestlaw and The Hindu

The Marine Aids to Navigation Bill, 2021 was introduced in Lok Sabha on March 15, 2021.  The Bill aims to provide a framework for the maintenance, development and management of aids to navigation in India.  It cancelled the old Lighthouse Act, 1927, which provides for the maintenance and control of lighthouses in India.  Key features of this new Bill are:

• Application

• Aid to navigation

• Director General of Aids to Navigation

• Central Advisory Committee

• Heritage Lighthouse

• Penalties

The Lok Sabha passed The Marine Aids to Navigation Bill, 2021, in 22 nd March 2021 and the Rajya Sabha passed the bill on July 27 to provide a framework for the development, maintenance, and management of aids to navigation in India. This bill applies to the whole India maritime zone. Any dispute related to the marine aids to navigation dues, expenses, or costs, will be heard and determined by a civil court having jurisdiction at the place where the dispute arose.