Vidhi Codex

The Indian Antarctic Act, 2022

The Indian Antarctic Act, 2022

General202258 sections10 chapters

The Indian Antarctic Act, 2022, regulates all human activities in Antarctica to protect the continent's fragile southern ecosystem from pollution, waste, and commercial exploitation. This law applies directly to Indian citizens, domestic corporations, and any vessels or aircraft participating in Indian polar expeditions. It matters because it implements India's international obligations under the Antarctic Treaty System, ensuring its growing polar scientific research and commercial tourism are conducted responsibly. By enforcing strict permit requirements for travel and prohibiting destructive actions like mining, nuclear testing, and radioactive waste disposal, the Act legally safeguards Antarctica's pristine wilderness and global climate for future generations.

Start reading →Read full ActSections

Chapter I PRELIMINARY →

  1. 1Short title and commencement.
  2. 2Application.
  3. 3Definitions.

Chapter II REQUIREMENT AS TO PERMIT →

  1. 4Permit for Indian expedition to Antarctica.
  2. 5Permit for Indian station in Antarctica.
  3. 6Permit for vessel and aircraft entering Antarctica.
  4. 7Permit for mineral resource activities.
  5. 8Permit for certain activities in Antarctica.
  6. 9Permit for introducing non-native animals and plants into Antarctica.
  7. 10Permit for introducing microscopic organisms.
  8. 11Permit to enter protected areas.
  9. 12Permit for waste disposal.
  10. 13Permit for discharge into sea.
  11. 14Permit for removal of biological specimen or any other sample from Antarctica.
  12. 15Certain provisions not to apply during emergencies.
  13. 16Special permit for commercial fishing in Antarctica.

Chapter III PROHIBITIONS →

  1. 17Prohibition of nuclear explosion or disposal of radioactive waste material in Antarctica.
  2. 18Prohibition of introducing non-sterile soil in Antarctica.
  3. 19Prohibition of introducing specified substances and products.
  4. 20Prohibition relating to historic sites and monuments.
  5. 21Prohibition of possessing, selling, etc.
  6. 22Prohibition of discharge of certain products or substances.

Chapter IV COMMITTEE ON ANTARCTIC GOVERNANCE AND ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION →

  1. 23Constitution of Committee.
  2. 24Meetings of Committee.
  3. 25Functions of Committee.
  4. 26Power of Central Government to give directions.

Chapter V GRANT, SUSPENSION OR CANCELLATION OF PERMIT →

  1. 27Application for permit.
  2. 28Liability of owner or Operator in certain cases.
  3. 29Suspension or cancellation of permit.

Chapter VI INSPECTIONS →

  1. 30Inspection in India.
  2. 31Inspection of international facilities.
  3. 32Obstruction and false information.

Chapter VII WASTE DISPOSAL AND WASTE MANAGEMENT →

  1. 33Waste disposal.
  2. 34Establishment of waste classification system and waste management plans.
  3. 35Removal of waste from Antarctica.
  4. 36Disposal of combustive wastes.
  5. 37Storage of wastes.

Chapter VIII PREVENTION OF MARINE POLLUTION AND LIABILITY FOR ENVIRONMENTAL EMERGENCY →

  1. 38Committee to ensure compliance of international obligations.
  2. 39Duties and liabilities of Operator in case of environmental emergency.
  3. 40Exemption of Operator from liability in certain cases.

Chapter IX OFFENCES AND PENALTIES →

  1. 41Penalty for contravention of certain provisions of Act by person.
  2. 42Penalty for contravention of certain provisions of Act involving vessel.
  3. 43Penalty for contravention of certain provisions of Act involving aircraft.
  4. 44Penalty where no provision made in Act.
  5. 45Offences by companies.

Chapter X MISCELLANEOUS →

  1. 46Constitution of fund.
  2. 47Security for permit by certain persons.
  3. 48Designated Court and jurisdiction.
  4. 49Report to Committee of offences.
  5. 50Conferment of powers of investigation, etc.
  6. 51Application of Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 to proceedings before Designated Court.
  7. 52Accounts and audit of fund.
  8. 53Returns and reports.
  9. 54Protection of action taken in good faith.
  10. 55Power to make rules.
  11. 56Power to remove difficulties.
  12. 57Rules, notifications or orders made or issued to be laid before Parliament.

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