The Civil Aviation Ministry has proposed police action against anyone who flash laser light on an aircraft from outside any Indian airport.
In a notification dated July 6, the ministry has sought amendments to Aircraft Rules, 1937, proposing that if the person who is using the laser light is identified, he or she will be first served a notice by a Central government official.
The proposal stated that the Central government will have the power to take action to turn off the laser light and “may also report the matter to the police station concerned” for initiating the action under the Indian Penal Code if the offender does not turn it off within 24 hours of receiving the notice.
If the person who is using the laser light in the vicinity of the airport is not identified, the affected airline operator or airport operator shall “immediately” report the matter to the police station concerned so as to initiate action under IPC, the proposal stated.
Stakeholders and the general public can send their comments on these proposed amendments to the Aircraft Rules, 1937, by August 6, according to the Aviation Ministry.
In October last year, during Durga Puja, multiple pilots complained to the air traffic controller at Kolkata airport about laser lights distracting them as they approached to land their aircraft, according to government officials.
The South Delhi district administration banned the use of laser lights at social event venues near the Delhi airport in May 2015, citing the distraction that such lights may cause to pilots while landing or taking off.