New Delhi: The government has approved amendments to the anti-hijacking law that provide for the death penalty even if ground staff and airport personnel are killed in such acts, besides broadening the definition of the term hijacking, sources said. In an earlier bill, the death penalty could be given only in the event of death of hostages such as flight crew, passengers and security personnel.
“Following the amendments, the perpetrators of the act (hijacking) would now be punishable with the death penalty where such an act results in the death of any person. It also provides for confiscation of movable and immovable properties of offenders,” a source said, referring to the Anti-Hijacking Bill, 2015.
The earlier version, Anti-Hijacking Bill, 2014, was introduced in the Rajya Sabha last December. It was referred to a standing panel, which submitted its report this March suggesting the changes.
