Section 5A: Unruly and disruptive passengers

5A. Unruly and disruptive passengers (1) Any person who, on board an aircraft in flight— (a) intimidates or threatens a crew member, whether physically or verbally, or uses abusive language against him, or lessens the ability of a crew member to perform his duties; (b) obstructs or hinders a crew member in the performance of his duties; (c) wilfully refuses to follow a lawful instruction given by the aircraft commander, or on behalf of the aircraft commander by a crew member, for the purpose of ensuring the safety of the aircraft or of any person or property on board, or for the purpose of maintaining good order and discipline on board, shall commit an offence. (2) Any person who, on board an aircraft in flight— (a) intimidates or threatens, whether physically or verbally, another person or uses abusive language against another person; (b) wilfully damages or destroys property not belonging to him; (c) is under the influence of an intoxicating drink or of a drug to such an extent as to be incapable of having proper control of himself, shall commit an offence. (3) Any person who, on board an aircraft in flight— (a) smokes— (i) in a lavatory; (ii) when a “no smoking sign” is displayed; (iii) contrary to any instruction given, or announcement made, by a crew member; (iv) in any manner likely to endanger the safety of the aircraft; (b) tampers with a smoke detector or any other safety-related device; (c) operates a portable electronic device without the authorisation of the aircraft commander, shall commit an offence. (4) Any person who commits an offence under subsection (1), (2) or (3) shall, on conviction, be liable to a fine not exceeding 50,000 rupees and to imprisonment for a term not exceeding 2 years. (5) For the purposes of this section, the period during which an aircraft is in flight shall be deemed to include the period specified in section 4 (2). [S. 5A inserted by s. 6 of Act 12 of 2007 w.e.f. 11 August 2007.] C19 – 3 [Issue 1]