Admiralty Law and Disputes

Admiralty law in India is governed by the Admiralty (Jurisdiction and Settlement of MaritimeClaims) Act, 2017, which establishes a modern and unified legal framework for resolving maritimedisputes. The Act repealed outdated colonial admiralty laws and vested exclusive jurisdiction indesignated High Courts to adjudicate claims arising from maritime commerce and navigation. Itcovers a broad range of maritime claims, including cargo damage, vessel collisions, salvage,towage, port dues, crew wages, and maritime liens. One of the most significant features of thelegislation is the power to arrest and detain vessels, which functions as an effective enforcementmechanism to secure maritime claims and ensure compliance with judicial orders. The Act alsoincorporates the principle of strict liability of vessels and recognizes the limitation of liability forshipowners, thereby balancing commercial interests with legal accountability. Applicable todisputes occurring within India’s territorial waters, the Admiralty Act, 2017 strengthens maritimegovernance by providing clarity, procedural efficiency, and alignment with international maritimestandards. Overall, the legislation plays a crucial role in enhancing India’s maritime legal regimeand ensuring effective settlement of admiralty disputes in an era of expanding global trade.