Air India has sought a response from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security regarding how the police managed to enter the aircraft.

New Delhi : When Abhijit Deepke convener of the ‘Cockroach Janta Party’ arrived in Delhi with his associates for a protest, the police reached the airport and detained him right inside the aircraft. Following this, Deepke posted a video calling the move an act of dictatorship, noting that even Indira Gandhi had orchestrated similar actions during the Emergency. The question now arises: can the police board an aircraft to carry out such an action? Are there any regulations governing this?

According to a report, Air India has sought an explanation from the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security as to how the police were permitted to enter the aircraft. Furthermore, the airline questioned why it was not informed if such an action was deemed necessary. Meanwhile, police officials maintain that, in accordance with the ‘law of the land,’ the police can take action anywhere within Indian territory. They assert that this authority is granted to them under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita, and Bharatiya Sakshya Adhiniyam.

The police argue that just as they can board a train to arrest criminals, an aircraft is also a mode of transport, and there is no restriction preventing such action.

The Ministry of Civil Aviation has formulated the Aircraft Security Rules, 2023. Rule 22 states that entry into an aerodrome may be granted to an individual only upon the issuance of a visitor’s pass or with permission from the Director General of the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security or the Central Government. According to a Hindustan Times report, the police officials had obtained special passes to enter the airport premises. The commanding pilot holds the ultimate authority from the moment the aircraft’s doors are closed until they are opened. According to reports, security agencies may enter the aircraft only after the doors have been opened.

Female police personnel were dispatched to take Abhijit Deepke into custody, a move that raised questions. Addressing this, an official stated that the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) makes no distinction between male and female officers regarding such duties. However, in cases involving dowry death, a female officer cannot arrest a male accused. The official maintained that, generally, either male or female officers are authorized to make arrests.

Report : Abhijit Tushar Bhatt (Political Editor)

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