The Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA) has notified two new rules to regulate bad behaviour on-board, both on domestic flights and on international flights destined for India. As per a report in TOI, the two rules — Nos. 22 and 23 — have been incorporated in the Indian Aircraft Rules, 1937. Any offence under these rules is punishable with imprisonment up to one year or a fine of up to Rs 5 lakh, or both. Unruly flyers can get 1-year jail term, Rs 5L fine for abusing the crew or rushing to open the luggage cabins even before the aircraft comes to a complete halt

These rules also empower the airline and cabin crew to initiate action for bad on-board behaviour and to lodge a complaint with agencies like the Central Industrial Security Force (CISF). Bharat Bhushan, the DG of civil aviation, said the provocation to introduce the new clauses was based on experience. ''We want to constantly improve the system. Earlier, the police would book unruly passengers under IPC (Indian Penal Code). The new clauses are a codified response to on-board indiscipline,'' he said.

Previously, unruly passengers would be booked under section 336, 323, 354 or 506 of the IPC, which deal generally with endangering lives or personal safety of others, or voluntarily causing hurt.