Flying Into Illegality: Criminal Law Dimensions Of Drone-Related Airspace Violations In India
- IJLLR Journal
- Sep 27
- 1 min read
Mukul Lakra, University School of Law and Legal Studies, G.G.S.I.P.U.
ABSTRACT
The use of drones, or unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs), has grown rapidly in India and across the world. While drones have many positive applications in fields such as agriculture, delivery services, surveillance for disaster management, and filmmaking, they are increasingly misused for criminal purposes. These include carrying contraband across borders, spying on individuals, interfering with aircraft, and even targeting sensitive infrastructure. India has introduced regulatory measures through the Drone Rules, 2021 and updated its aviation framework under the Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024. However, these measures remain largely regulatory, leaving gaps in the criminal law system. This paper examines the existing framework, highlights its shortcomings, studies comparative approaches in other jurisdictions, and proposes a set of criminal norms designed for India’s legal context. It argues that developing clear offences, evidence procedures, and enforcement protocols is essential to tackle the growing risks of low-altitude drone misuse.
Keywords: Drone, UAV, Drone Rules 2021, Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam 2024, airspace violations, criminal law, India, privacy, evidence, enforcement.
