The Inland Vessels Act, 2021
Administered Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Section
Section 61 Apportionment of loss.
(1) Whenever by the fault of two or more mechanically propelled inland vessels, damage or loss is caused to one or more of them or to the cargo of one or more of them or to any property on board one or more of them, the liability to make good the damage or loss shall be in proportion to the degree in which each of such vessel was at fault:
Provided that---
(a) if, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, it is not possible to establish different degrees of fault, the liability shall be apportioned equally;
(b) nothing in this section shall operate so as to render any vessel liable for any loss or damage to which such vessel has not contributed;
(c) nothing in this section shall affect the liability of any person under any contract, or shall be construed as imposing any liability upon any person from which he is exempted by any contract or by the provisions of any law for the time being in force, or as affecting the right of any person to limit his liability in the manner provided by such law.
(2) For the purposes of this Chapter, reference to damage or loss caused by the fault of a mechanically propelled inland vessel shall be construed as including reference to any salvage or other expenses, consequent upon that fault, recoverable under the provisions of any law for the time being in force by way of damages.
(3) The person who has suffered damage or injured or his representative may apply to any court having appropriate jurisdiction on the claim, for the detention or attachment of the vessel.
Provided that---
(a) if, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, it is not possible to establish different degrees of fault, the liability shall be apportioned equally;
(b) nothing in this section shall operate so as to render any vessel liable for any loss or damage to which such vessel has not contributed;
(c) nothing in this section shall affect the liability of any person under any contract, or shall be construed as imposing any liability upon any person from which he is exempted by any contract or by the provisions of any law for the time being in force, or as affecting the right of any person to limit his liability in the manner provided by such law.
(2) For the purposes of this Chapter, reference to damage or loss caused by the fault of a mechanically propelled inland vessel shall be construed as including reference to any salvage or other expenses, consequent upon that fault, recoverable under the provisions of any law for the time being in force by way of damages.
(3) The person who has suffered damage or injured or his representative may apply to any court having appropriate jurisdiction on the claim, for the detention or attachment of the vessel.
Section 62 Liability for personal injury, loss of life or pollution to environment.
(1) Where, loss of life or personal injuries is suffered, damage to property or pollution is caused by any person on any mechanically propelled inland vessel or any other vessel, owing to the fault of that vessel and of any other vessel or vessels, the liability of the owners of such vessels concerned shall be joint and several.
(2) No liability for any claim other than loss of life, personal injury or pollution, shall attach to the owner, operator, master, or a member of crew or insurer under this Chapter, if he proves that the cause for claim---
(a) was a result of an act of war, hostility, civil war, insurrection or a natural phenomenon of an exceptional, inevitable and irresistible character; or
(b) was wholly caused by an act or omission with intent to cause such damage by any other person; or
(c) was wholly caused by the negligence or other wrongful act of a State Government or other authority responsible for the maintenance of lights or other navigational aids in exercise of its functions in that behalf.
(2) No liability for any claim other than loss of life, personal injury or pollution, shall attach to the owner, operator, master, or a member of crew or insurer under this Chapter, if he proves that the cause for claim---
(a) was a result of an act of war, hostility, civil war, insurrection or a natural phenomenon of an exceptional, inevitable and irresistible character; or
(b) was wholly caused by an act or omission with intent to cause such damage by any other person; or
(c) was wholly caused by the negligence or other wrongful act of a State Government or other authority responsible for the maintenance of lights or other navigational aids in exercise of its functions in that behalf.
Section 63 Detention of mechanically propelled inland vessel.
The State Government may appoint or authorise any officer under this Chapter, for the purpose of detaining any mechanically propelled inland vessel in connection with a claim, 1[or an offence or a contravention under this Chapter], and the procedure thereof shall be such as may be prescribed by that Government.
1. Subs. by Act 8 of 2026, s. 2 and Sch., for “or an offence under this Chapter” (w.e.f. 30.06.2026).
Section 64 Limitation of liability.
(1) The owner, operator, master or any person in-charge of a vessel or member of crew of any mechanically propelled vessel may limit the extent of his liability for---
(a) claims in respect of loss of life or personal injury, or loss of, or damage to, property including damage to jetties, wharfs, harbour basins and waterways and aids to navigation, occurring on board or in direct connection with the operation of such vessels or with salvage operations, and consequential loss resulting therefrom;
(b) claims arising out of loss resulting from delay in the carriage of cargo and passengers or their luggage by inland waters;
(c) claims arising out of other loss resulting from infringement of rights other than contractual rights, occurring in direct connection with the operation of such vessel or salvage operations;
(d) claims in respect of the raising, removal, destruction or rendering harmless of a vessel or the cargo which is sunk, wrecked, stranded or abandoned;
(e) claims of a person, other than the person liable, in respect of measures taken by such person in order to avert or minimise loss and for further loss caused by such measure;
(f)claims for the loss of life or personal injury to passengers of such vessel brought by or on behalf of any person---
(i) under the contract of passenger carriage; or
(ii) who, with the consent of the carrier, is accompanying a vessel for live animals which are covered by a contract for the carriage of goods, carried in such vessel.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, no person shall be entitled to limit his liability for---
(a) claims for salvage; or
(b) claims stipulated as exempted from the application of limitation of liability under any other law for the time being in force in India.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, the act of invoking limitation of liability shall not be construed as constituting an admission of liability by any person who takes the defence.
(4) For the purposes of this Chapter, the liability of the owner or operator of a mechanically propelled inland vessel shall include the liability in an action brought against such vessels.
(5) The limits of liability and the criteria in determining compensation for any claim as provided under sub-section (1) shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government.
(6) The person entitled to limit liability under sub-section (1) may apply to the High Court of respective jurisdiction for constituting a limitation fund for the consolidated rate as provided for under this Chapter.
(7) Where a vessel or other property is detained in connection with a claim, covered under this Chapter, the High Court may order release of such vessel or other property, upon an application made by the person, who is entitled to limit their liability and by---
(a) ensuring that such person, who is entitled to constitute the limitation fund has submitted his availability in person to the jurisdiction of the High Court; or
(b) depositing sufficient fund or financial guarantee as determined by the High Court as security; or
(c) constituting the limitation fund, as the case may be.
(a) claims in respect of loss of life or personal injury, or loss of, or damage to, property including damage to jetties, wharfs, harbour basins and waterways and aids to navigation, occurring on board or in direct connection with the operation of such vessels or with salvage operations, and consequential loss resulting therefrom;
(b) claims arising out of loss resulting from delay in the carriage of cargo and passengers or their luggage by inland waters;
(c) claims arising out of other loss resulting from infringement of rights other than contractual rights, occurring in direct connection with the operation of such vessel or salvage operations;
(d) claims in respect of the raising, removal, destruction or rendering harmless of a vessel or the cargo which is sunk, wrecked, stranded or abandoned;
(e) claims of a person, other than the person liable, in respect of measures taken by such person in order to avert or minimise loss and for further loss caused by such measure;
(f)claims for the loss of life or personal injury to passengers of such vessel brought by or on behalf of any person---
(i) under the contract of passenger carriage; or
(ii) who, with the consent of the carrier, is accompanying a vessel for live animals which are covered by a contract for the carriage of goods, carried in such vessel.
(2) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, no person shall be entitled to limit his liability for---
(a) claims for salvage; or
(b) claims stipulated as exempted from the application of limitation of liability under any other law for the time being in force in India.
(3) Notwithstanding anything contained in this section, the act of invoking limitation of liability shall not be construed as constituting an admission of liability by any person who takes the defence.
(4) For the purposes of this Chapter, the liability of the owner or operator of a mechanically propelled inland vessel shall include the liability in an action brought against such vessels.
(5) The limits of liability and the criteria in determining compensation for any claim as provided under sub-section (1) shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government.
(6) The person entitled to limit liability under sub-section (1) may apply to the High Court of respective jurisdiction for constituting a limitation fund for the consolidated rate as provided for under this Chapter.
(7) Where a vessel or other property is detained in connection with a claim, covered under this Chapter, the High Court may order release of such vessel or other property, upon an application made by the person, who is entitled to limit their liability and by---
(a) ensuring that such person, who is entitled to constitute the limitation fund has submitted his availability in person to the jurisdiction of the High Court; or
(b) depositing sufficient fund or financial guarantee as determined by the High Court as security; or
(c) constituting the limitation fund, as the case may be.
Section 65 Non-applicability of limitation.
No person shall be entitled to limit the liability against any claim, if such claim has arisen due to intentional act or negligence of the person or his employee, who otherwise would have been entitled to limit his liability under this Chapter.
Section 66 Insurance to cover.
No mechanically propelled vessel shall be used for voyage in inland waters, unless there is in force—
(a) a policy of insurance which shall cover liability that may be incurred by the insured—
(i) in respect of the death of or bodily injury to any person or damage to any property caused by or arising out of the use of the mechanically propelled vessel;
(ii) in respect of liability of operational pollution and accidental pollution of inland waters;
(b) a policy of insurance in compliance of the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 (6 of 1991), if the mechanically propelled inland vessel is carrying or meant to carry, dangerous or hazardous goods;
(c) a policy of insurance covering the mechanically propelled vessel to—
(i) a value not less than the liability incurred; or
(ii) entitle it to be covered under limitation of liability as provided under this Act, a value not less than the specified and applicable limitation amount:
Provided that any policy of insurance issued with a value not less than the limitation of liability in force, immediately before the commencement of this Act, shall continue to be effective for a period of twelve months after such commencement or till the date of expiry of such policy, whichever is earlier.
(a) a policy of insurance which shall cover liability that may be incurred by the insured—
(i) in respect of the death of or bodily injury to any person or damage to any property caused by or arising out of the use of the mechanically propelled vessel;
(ii) in respect of liability of operational pollution and accidental pollution of inland waters;
(b) a policy of insurance in compliance of the Public Liability Insurance Act, 1991 (6 of 1991), if the mechanically propelled inland vessel is carrying or meant to carry, dangerous or hazardous goods;
(c) a policy of insurance covering the mechanically propelled vessel to—
(i) a value not less than the liability incurred; or
(ii) entitle it to be covered under limitation of liability as provided under this Act, a value not less than the specified and applicable limitation amount:
Provided that any policy of insurance issued with a value not less than the limitation of liability in force, immediately before the commencement of this Act, shall continue to be effective for a period of twelve months after such commencement or till the date of expiry of such policy, whichever is earlier.
Section 67 Contractual liability not to cover.
Notwithstanding anything contained in this Chapter, a policy shall not be required to cover any contractual liability of the insured that arises due to any performance or non-performance of a contract or of agreement in the capacity of a service provider
Section 68 Issuance and terms of insurance policy.
(1) For the purposes of section 66, the policy of insurance issued shall be a policy, which—
(a) is issued by an authorised insurer;
(b) insures the mechanically propelled inland vessel, any person or any classes of persons specified in the policy to the extent specified in section 66; and
(c) is a certificate of insurance issued by the insurer to the insured in such form and content, and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by the Central Government.
(2) The terms and conditions to be incorporated in the contract of insurance entered between insurer and insured to cover the risks as provided in section 66 shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government.
(a) is issued by an authorised insurer;
(b) insures the mechanically propelled inland vessel, any person or any classes of persons specified in the policy to the extent specified in section 66; and
(c) is a certificate of insurance issued by the insurer to the insured in such form and content, and subject to such conditions as may be prescribed by the Central Government.
(2) The terms and conditions to be incorporated in the contract of insurance entered between insurer and insured to cover the risks as provided in section 66 shall be such as may be prescribed by the Central Government.
Section 69 Duty to indemnify and direct action against insurer.
(1) Notwithstanding anything contained in any law for the time being in force, an insurer issuing a policy of insurance under this section shall be liable to indemnify the insured or any person, as specified in the policy in respect of any liability which the policy purports to cover in the case of the insured or that person.
(2) Any claim for compensation against the loss or damage under this Act and covered by the insurance may be brought directly against the insurer in respect of the liability incurred by the registered owner.
(2) Any claim for compensation against the loss or damage under this Act and covered by the insurance may be brought directly against the insurer in respect of the liability incurred by the registered owner.
Section 70 Effect of death on certain causes of action.
Notwithstanding anything contained in section 306 of the Indian Succession Act, 1925 (39 of 1925), the death of a person in whose favour a certificate of insurance had been issued, if it occurs after the happening of an event which has given rise to a claim under the provisions of this Chapter, shall not be a bar to the survival of any cause of action arising out of the said event against his estate or against the insurer.
Section 71 Effect of certificate of insurance.
When an insurer has issued a certificate of insurance in respect of a contract of insurance between the insurer and the insured person, then,—
(a) if and so long as the policy described in the certificate has not been issued by the insurer to the insured, the insurer shall, as between himself and any other person except the insured, be deemed to have issued to the insured person a policy of insurance conforming in all respects with the description and particulars stated in such certificate; and
(b) if the insurer has issued to the insured the policy described in the certificate, but the actual terms of the policy are less favourable to the person claiming under or by virtue of the policy against the insurer either directly or through the insured than the particulars of the policy as stated in the certificate, the policy shall, as between the insurer and any other person except the insured, be deemed to be in terms conforming in all respects with the particulars stated in the said certificate.
(a) if and so long as the policy described in the certificate has not been issued by the insurer to the insured, the insurer shall, as between himself and any other person except the insured, be deemed to have issued to the insured person a policy of insurance conforming in all respects with the description and particulars stated in such certificate; and
(b) if the insurer has issued to the insured the policy described in the certificate, but the actual terms of the policy are less favourable to the person claiming under or by virtue of the policy against the insurer either directly or through the insured than the particulars of the policy as stated in the certificate, the policy shall, as between the insurer and any other person except the insured, be deemed to be in terms conforming in all respects with the particulars stated in the said certificate.
Section 72 Transfer of certificate of insurance.
Where a person in whose favour the certificate of insurance has been issued in accordance with the provisions of this Chapter transfers to another person, the ownership of the mechanically propelled vessel covered under this Chapter, in respect of which such insurance was taken together with the policy of insurance relating thereto, the certificate of insurance and the policy described in the certificate shall be deemed to have been transferred in favour of the person to whom the mechanically propelled inland vessel is transferred with effect from the date of its transfer.
Explanation.---For the removal of doubts, it is hereby clarified that such deemed transfer shall include transfer of rights and liabilities covered under the said certificate of insurance and the policy of insurance.
Explanation.---For the removal of doubts, it is hereby clarified that such deemed transfer shall include transfer of rights and liabilities covered under the said certificate of insurance and the policy of insurance.
Section 73 Powers of Central Government to make rules for Chapter XII.
The Central Government shall, by rules made in this behalf, specify the terms, conditions and procedures to be complied with by the insurers and insured including—
(a) cover note of insurance and its validity;
(b) rights and duties of the insured;
(c) procedures and processes involved in processing of claims;
(d) duties and obligations of the insurers to satisfy the judgments and awards;
(e) rights of claimants, liability of the insured and the insurers in special circumstances such as the insured becomes insolvent and the procedures to be followed;
(f) procedures, processes and minimum terms of conditions for the settlement between the insurers and insured persons;
(g) procedures to be followed in the transfer of certificate of insurance; and
(h) such other matters directly or indirectly related to insurance of mechanically propelled vessels, for the purposes of effective implementation and administration of this Chapter.
(a) cover note of insurance and its validity;
(b) rights and duties of the insured;
(c) procedures and processes involved in processing of claims;
(d) duties and obligations of the insurers to satisfy the judgments and awards;
(e) rights of claimants, liability of the insured and the insurers in special circumstances such as the insured becomes insolvent and the procedures to be followed;
(f) procedures, processes and minimum terms of conditions for the settlement between the insurers and insured persons;
(g) procedures to be followed in the transfer of certificate of insurance; and
(h) such other matters directly or indirectly related to insurance of mechanically propelled vessels, for the purposes of effective implementation and administration of this Chapter.
Section 74 Reporting of casualty, accident, wreck, etc.
(1) The State Government, may by notification, appoint any designated authority for the purposes of this Chapter.
(2) The owner, operator or master of a mechanically propelled inland vessel, shall give information of any wreck, abandonment, damage, casualty, accident, explosion or loss occurred to or on board such a vessel while in the inland waters, to the officer in-charge of the nearest police station and to the designated authority appointed under sub-section (1), in such form and manner as may be prescribed by the State Government.
(3) The designated authority shall at once report the contents of the information referred to in subsection (2) to the District Magistrate.
(4) The officer in-charge of the police station shall, on receipt of information referred to in subsection (2), investigate into the matter and submit a report to the jurisdictional Judicial Magistrate in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XII of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974).
(5) The Judicial Magistrate may, on receiving the report referred to in sub-section (4), take action as he may deem fit in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XVI.
(2) The owner, operator or master of a mechanically propelled inland vessel, shall give information of any wreck, abandonment, damage, casualty, accident, explosion or loss occurred to or on board such a vessel while in the inland waters, to the officer in-charge of the nearest police station and to the designated authority appointed under sub-section (1), in such form and manner as may be prescribed by the State Government.
(3) The designated authority shall at once report the contents of the information referred to in subsection (2) to the District Magistrate.
(4) The officer in-charge of the police station shall, on receipt of information referred to in subsection (2), investigate into the matter and submit a report to the jurisdictional Judicial Magistrate in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XII of the Code of Criminal Procedure, 1973 (2 of 1974).
(5) The Judicial Magistrate may, on receiving the report referred to in sub-section (4), take action as he may deem fit in accordance with the provisions of Chapter XVI.
Section 75 Preliminary enquiry by designated authority and inquiry by District Magistrate.
(1) The designated authority may, in pursuance of the information referred to in sub-section (2) of section 74, conduct a preliminary enquiry and submit a report thereof to the District Magistrate, who shall transmit the same to the concerned State Government.
(2) The State Government may, on receipt of the report referred to in sub-section (1), if deemed necessary, direct the District Magistrate to submit an additional report to it and send a copy thereof to the Judicial Magistrate of the first class referred to in sub-section (4) of section 74 through the jurisdictional police.
(3) The powers of the District Magistrate referred to in sub-section (2) and the procedures to be followed by him in holding the inquiry for submission of additional report shall be such as may be prescribed by the State Government.
(2) The State Government may, on receipt of the report referred to in sub-section (1), if deemed necessary, direct the District Magistrate to submit an additional report to it and send a copy thereof to the Judicial Magistrate of the first class referred to in sub-section (4) of section 74 through the jurisdictional police.
(3) The powers of the District Magistrate referred to in sub-section (2) and the procedures to be followed by him in holding the inquiry for submission of additional report shall be such as may be prescribed by the State Government.
Section 76 Assessors.
(1) For the purposes of this Chapter, the State Government may appoint and maintain a list of assessors, which may be revised from time to time.
(2) The State Government shall, by rules made in this behalf, specify the qualifications, criteria and consideration, fees or charges for the assessors, who are conversant with the maritime affairs and have experience in the merchant service or in the navigation of the mechanically propelled inland vessels and willing to act as an assessor.
(3) The District Magistrate may, for the purposes of assisting in the inquiry under this Chapter, appoint any number of assessors, from the list of assessors provided to him by the State Government.
(4) In every inquiry, other than the one specified in sub-section (3), the District Magistrate may, if he thinks fit, appoint an assessor, for the purposes of such inquiry, any person.
(5) Every person appointed as an assessor under this section shall assist the District Magistrate in the inquiry and deliver his opinion as may be sought for, which shall be recorded in the proceedings.
(2) The State Government shall, by rules made in this behalf, specify the qualifications, criteria and consideration, fees or charges for the assessors, who are conversant with the maritime affairs and have experience in the merchant service or in the navigation of the mechanically propelled inland vessels and willing to act as an assessor.
(3) The District Magistrate may, for the purposes of assisting in the inquiry under this Chapter, appoint any number of assessors, from the list of assessors provided to him by the State Government.
(4) In every inquiry, other than the one specified in sub-section (3), the District Magistrate may, if he thinks fit, appoint an assessor, for the purposes of such inquiry, any person.
(5) Every person appointed as an assessor under this section shall assist the District Magistrate in the inquiry and deliver his opinion as may be sought for, which shall be recorded in the proceedings.
Section 77 Report of District Magistrate to be notified by State Government.
(1) The District Magistrate shall, in the case of every inquiry under this Chapter, make a full report of the conclusions at which he has arrived, together with the evidence recorded and the written opinion of any assessor.
(2) The State Government shall, on receipt of the report referred to in sub-section (1) from the District Magistrate, cause it to be published by notification in its Official Gazette.
(2) The State Government shall, on receipt of the report referred to in sub-section (1) from the District Magistrate, cause it to be published by notification in its Official Gazette.
Section 78 Powers of District Magistrate subsequent to inquiry.
(1) The District Magistrate may, after inquiry, recommend in his report for cancellation or suspension or confiscation of a certificate of competency or a certificate of service granted to a master, crew or engineer by the State Government under Chapter VI, if such District Magistrate finds that—
(a) the accident or casualty, including loss, stranding or abandonment of, or damage to, any mechanically propelled inland vessel, or loss of life, has been caused by the wrongful act or default of such master or engineer;
(b) such master or engineer is incompetent or has been guilty of any gross act of drunkenness, tyranny or other misconduct, or in a case of collision, has failed to render such assistance or give such information or notice as may be required under this Act.
(2) At the conclusion of the inquiry, or as soon thereafter as possible, the District Magistrate shall state in open sitting, the decision arrived at by him with respect to the cancellation or suspension or confiscation of any certificate of competency or a certificate of service and, if suspension is ordered, the period for which the certificate is suspended.
(3) Without prejudice to the provisions of this section, the District Magistrate may also make such order and require such security in respect of the costs of the matter as he may deem fit and necessary in the circumstances of the case.
(a) the accident or casualty, including loss, stranding or abandonment of, or damage to, any mechanically propelled inland vessel, or loss of life, has been caused by the wrongful act or default of such master or engineer;
(b) such master or engineer is incompetent or has been guilty of any gross act of drunkenness, tyranny or other misconduct, or in a case of collision, has failed to render such assistance or give such information or notice as may be required under this Act.
(2) At the conclusion of the inquiry, or as soon thereafter as possible, the District Magistrate shall state in open sitting, the decision arrived at by him with respect to the cancellation or suspension or confiscation of any certificate of competency or a certificate of service and, if suspension is ordered, the period for which the certificate is suspended.
(3) Without prejudice to the provisions of this section, the District Magistrate may also make such order and require such security in respect of the costs of the matter as he may deem fit and necessary in the circumstances of the case.
Section 79 Power of State Government to suspend, cancel and confiscate certificate.
(1) The State Government, in whose jurisdiction the certificate of competency or a certificate of service was granted under Chapter VI, may cancel or suspend any such certificate or, in the event of the vessel being found in the jurisdiction of another State Government, such State Government may confiscate the certificate, if,---
(a) on any inquiry made under this Chapter, the District Magistrate reports for cancellation or suspension or confiscation of that certificate under section 78; or
(b) the holder of such certificate is proved to have been convicted of any non-bailable offence; or
(c) the holder of such certificate is proved to have deserted his vessel or has absented himself without leave and without sufficient reason, from his vessel or from his duty; or
(d) in the case of a person holding any designation as provided by the certificate of competency or certificate of service, is or has become, in the opinion of the State Government, unfit to act in such designation, as the case may be.
(2) Every person whose certificate of competency or a certificate of service is suspended or cancelled under this Chapter shall deliver it to such person as the State Government, which suspended or cancelled it, may direct.
(3) If any State Government cancels, suspends or confiscates the certificate of competency or a certificate of service granted under Chapter VI, the proceedings and the fact of confiscation and recommendation for suspension or cancellation, shall be reported to the State Government which has originally issued, granted or endorsed such certificates.
(4) The State Government may, at any time, revoke any order of suspension or cancellation or confiscation which it may have made under this Chapter, or grant a certificate anew, for reasons to be recorded in writing, to any person whose certificate it has so cancelled and such certificate granted anew, shall have the same effect as a certificate of competency granted under this Act after examination.
(a) on any inquiry made under this Chapter, the District Magistrate reports for cancellation or suspension or confiscation of that certificate under section 78; or
(b) the holder of such certificate is proved to have been convicted of any non-bailable offence; or
(c) the holder of such certificate is proved to have deserted his vessel or has absented himself without leave and without sufficient reason, from his vessel or from his duty; or
(d) in the case of a person holding any designation as provided by the certificate of competency or certificate of service, is or has become, in the opinion of the State Government, unfit to act in such designation, as the case may be.
(2) Every person whose certificate of competency or a certificate of service is suspended or cancelled under this Chapter shall deliver it to such person as the State Government, which suspended or cancelled it, may direct.
(3) If any State Government cancels, suspends or confiscates the certificate of competency or a certificate of service granted under Chapter VI, the proceedings and the fact of confiscation and recommendation for suspension or cancellation, shall be reported to the State Government which has originally issued, granted or endorsed such certificates.
(4) The State Government may, at any time, revoke any order of suspension or cancellation or confiscation which it may have made under this Chapter, or grant a certificate anew, for reasons to be recorded in writing, to any person whose certificate it has so cancelled and such certificate granted anew, shall have the same effect as a certificate of competency granted under this Act after examination.
Section 80 Powers of Central Government to protect interests of service providers and service users.
The Central Government may, prescribe the minimum standards, terms and conditions to protect the interests of service providers and service users and to ensure safety of such persons.