Ministry of Shipping
The Northern India Ferries Act, 1878, was enacted to regulate ferry services in designated areas of Northern India. Before this Act, ferry operations were often unregulated, leading to inconsistencies in service quality, safety concerns, and disputes over tolls. The Act aimed to establish a clear legal framework for the establishment, management, and control of both public and private ferries. This Act falls under the Ministry of Ports, Shipping and Waterways.
Enactment Date, Number of Chapters, Number of Sections:
The Act was enacted on November 9, 1878. It consists of five parts and 36 sections (with some sections repealed over time). While not formally designated as chapters, the parts cover: Preliminary provisions, Public Ferries, Private Ferries, Penalties and Criminal Procedure, and Miscellaneous provisions.
Act Governed By:
The Act is governed by the respective State Governments within the designated areas of Northern India where it applies. The State Governments have the power to declare public ferries, grant sanctions for private ferries, and enforce the provisions of the Act.
On Whom It Is Applicable:
The Act applies to all entities and individuals involved in the operation of ferries, including lessees, toll collectors, passengers, and owners of private ferries, within the specified geographical limits.
Penalties/Punishments:
The Act outlines various penalties for offenses, including fines and imprisonment. These penalties apply to offenses such as operating a private ferry without sanction, overcharging tolls, causing delays, violating rules, rash navigation, and obstructing ferry operations.
Important Pointers:
-
Empowers the State Government to declare, establish, define, and discontinue public ferries.
-
Provides for the leasing of public ferry tolls through auction.
-
Regulates private ferries, requiring sanctions for operation within specified distances of public ferries.
-
Establishes a system for toll collection and outlines exemptions.
-
Specifies penalties for various offenses related to ferry operations.
-
Bars the jurisdiction of Civil Courts in matters related to compensation or abatement of rent under this Act.