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Country’s new anti-hijacking law, which prescribes capital punishment in the event of death of any person has come into force following a government notification.

The 2016 Anti-Hijacking Act

It replaces a 1982 law, according to which hijackers could be tried for death penalty only in the event of death of hostages, such as flight crew, passengers and security personnel.

• In the new law, the definition has been expanded to include death of “security personnel on board” or “ground support staff” as well.
• In other cases of hijacking, guilty will be punished with imprisonment for life and fine, besides confiscation of movable and immovable property held by him or her.
• The new law, which has come into effect after its notification on July 5, includes several acts within the definition of hijacking including making a threat, attempts or abetment to commit the offence.
• Those who organise or direct others to commit such offence will also be considered to have committed the offence of hijacking.
• The new law mandates the central government to confer powers of investigation, arrest and prosecution on any officer of the central government or National Investigation Agency (NIA).

Source : The Indian Express

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