Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill 2019 – Need, Features, Criticism

External Affairs Minister S.Jaishankar, on December 9, 2019, introduced Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill, 2019 in the Lok Sabha. The introduction of the Bill comes days after 18 Indians aboard a crude oil carrier were kidnapped off the coast of Nigeria. This Bill provides for stringent punishment, including the death penalty to those who are involved in acts of maritime piracy. It was criticised by the opposition for the inclusion of the death penalty. It was referred to the parliamentary standing committee on external affairs chaired by former Union Minister P.P.Choudhary.

What is Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill, 2019?

• Anti-Maritime Piracy Bill, 2019 aims to promote the safety and security of India's maritime trade and the safety of its crewmembers.
• The Bill