Section 150
Power to call for information.
The Merchant Shipping Act, 2025
About this Act
An Act to consolidate and amend the law relating to merchant shipping to ensure compliance with India's obligation under the maritime treaties and international instruments to which India is a party and also to ensure the development of Indian shipping and efficient maintenance of Indian mercantile marine in a manner best suited to serve the national interest and for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
(1) The Central Government, surveyor, or any other person authorised in this behalf, shall have the power to require the master of a vessel to which this Part applies, to give such information as may be required to ensure compliance with the provisions of this Part.
(2) The surveyor or any other person empowered under sub-section (1), shall have the powers of a civil court while trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), in respect of the following matters, namely:—
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;
(b) requiring discovery and production of any document;
(c) receiving evidence on affidavit;
(d) any other matter which is required to be or may be prescribed.
(3) Any person who refuses or fails to give the information referred to in sub-section (1), shall be liable for a penalty under this Act.
(2) The surveyor or any other person empowered under sub-section (1), shall have the powers of a civil court while trying a suit under the Code of Civil Procedure, 1908 (5 of 1908), in respect of the following matters, namely:—
(a) summoning and enforcing the attendance of any person and examining him on oath;
(b) requiring discovery and production of any document;
(c) receiving evidence on affidavit;
(d) any other matter which is required to be or may be prescribed.
(3) Any person who refuses or fails to give the information referred to in sub-section (1), shall be liable for a penalty under this Act.