Section 64 of The Indian Ports Act, 2025: Service of documents.
About this Act
An Act to consolidate the law relating to ports, promote integrated port development, facilitate ease of doing business and ensure the optimum utilisation of India's coastline; establish and empower State Maritime Boards for effective management of ports other than major ports; establish the Maritime State Development Council for fostering structured growth and development of the port sector; provide for the management of pollution, disaster, emergencies, security, safety, navigation, and data at ports; ensure compliance with India's obligations under international instruments to which it is a party; take measures for the conservation of ports; provide for adjudicatory mechanisms for the redressal of port-related disputes; and address matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
(2) If the document is to be served—
(a) on the harbour master of a port, where there is one, by leaving the same for him at the port, with the person being or appearing to be in command of the port;
(b) on the master of a vessel, where there is one, by leaving the same for him on board that vessel, with the person being or appearing to be in command or charge of the vessel; and
(c) on the master of a vessel, or if there is no master and the vessel is in India, on the owner of the vessel, or, if such owner is not in India, on any agent of the owner residing in India, or, where no such agent is known or can be found, by affixing a copy thereof on the vessel or at a suitable place on the bridge.