The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021
Administered Ministry: Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways
Act details
| Short title | The Major Port Authorities Act, 2021 |
|---|---|
| Long title | An Act to provide for regulation, operation and planning of Major Ports in India and to vest the administration, control and management of such ports upon the Boards of Major Port Authorities and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto |
| Act number | 1 of 2021 |
| Act year | 2021 |
| Enactment date | 17 Feb 2021 |
| Ministry | Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways |
| Jurisdiction | Central (Parliament of India) |
| Sections | 76 |
| Status | Not repealed |
| Last checked on India Code | 28 Oct 2026 |
| Source | India Code, Government of India |
Summary
Summary of The Marine Aids to Navigation Act, 2021
1. Governance & Key Provisions
• Authority: Central Government oversees aids to navigation, with powers to designate, inspect, and control.
• Director General of Aids to Navigation: Appointed for operational oversight.
2. Management of Aids to Navigation
• General Aids: Vest in the Central Government.
• Local Aids: Subject to Central Government inspection (Section 14) and potential control (Section 15).
• Heritage Lighthouses: Specifically designated and protected.
3. Offences & Penalties
• Obstruction/Damage: Penalties include imprisonment (up to 12 months) and fines (up to ₹5 lakh).
• Non-Compliance: Fines for evasion of dues (up to 5 times payable amount) and non-compliance with directions (up to ₹1 lakh).
• Vessel Non-Compliance: Penalties for unsafe navigation, pollution, and lack of safety appliances (fines up to ₹50,000 to ₹1 lakh, and imprisonment in some cases).
4. Financial & Regulatory Provisions
• Marine Aids to Navigation Dues: Levied for maintenance and development.
• Rule Making Authority: Central Government empowered to make rules for the Act’s implementation.
5. Enforcement & Jurisdiction
• Trial & Jurisdiction: Specified courts handle offences, with cognizance only upon complaint by authorised officers.
• Good Faith Protection: For actions taken under the Act.
Overall Purpose Ensures safe, efficient navigation through comprehensive management of aids to navigation, with clear governance, financial, and penal structures, aligning with international maritime standards.