<p>Currently, the Navy and Coast Guard can launch offensive actions against the pirates only if they attack a naval or CG vessel first. But the new SOP allows the Navy to chase and attack the pirates whenever they witness piracy attempts in the seas, sources said.<br /><br />At the same time, the Indian Penal Code will be amended to incorporate piracy as a crime so that pirates can be brought to book. Currently, the IPC does not recognise piracy as a crime. <br /><br />Together, the changes are expected to make Indian anti-piracy measures more stringent and effective. The Cabinet Committee on Security here approved the crucial changes after it took stock of the piracy situation. <br /><br />“The committee approved a series of measures, which will be taken by the government to address the legal, administrative and operational aspects of combating piracy,” External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said in the Lok Sabha.<br /><br />The CCS approved setting up an inter-ministerial group under the chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary to monitor and facilitate early release of Indian ships or cargo or crew from the clutches of pirates. <br /><br />As many as 53 Indians are still detained by pirates in five different ships even though 11 were released three days ago.</p>
<p>Currently, the Navy and Coast Guard can launch offensive actions against the pirates only if they attack a naval or CG vessel first. But the new SOP allows the Navy to chase and attack the pirates whenever they witness piracy attempts in the seas, sources said.<br /><br />At the same time, the Indian Penal Code will be amended to incorporate piracy as a crime so that pirates can be brought to book. Currently, the IPC does not recognise piracy as a crime. <br /><br />Together, the changes are expected to make Indian anti-piracy measures more stringent and effective. The Cabinet Committee on Security here approved the crucial changes after it took stock of the piracy situation. <br /><br />“The committee approved a series of measures, which will be taken by the government to address the legal, administrative and operational aspects of combating piracy,” External Affairs Minister S M Krishna said in the Lok Sabha.<br /><br />The CCS approved setting up an inter-ministerial group under the chairmanship of the Cabinet Secretary to monitor and facilitate early release of Indian ships or cargo or crew from the clutches of pirates. <br /><br />As many as 53 Indians are still detained by pirates in five different ships even though 11 were released three days ago.</p>
