Two British plane spotters fined Rs. 25,000 but escape jail time

March 5, 2010 Comments Off on Two British plane spotters fined Rs. 25,000 but escape jail time 240 Views

The two British plane-spotters, Stephen Hampton and Steven Ayres from Bristol, arrested in New Delhi last month for monitoring ATC conversations, have been fined Rs. 25,000 each by a court in Delhi, after admitting to illegally monitoring aircraft.

The two spotters who appeared before magistrates in Delhi were charged under the antiquated but draconian Indian Telegraph Act, 1885, with intercepting privileged communications.

What will be a relief to the pair, and to all of us spotters, is that fact that they escaped with just a fine, instead of jail time. Mr. Hampton and Mr. Ayers were informed they could return to the UK.

It is important to note that the court did not charge them for observing or photographing aircraft.

Source : BBC News

About Devesh Agarwal

A electronics and automotive product management, marketing and branding expert, he was awarded a silver medal at the Lockheed Martin innovation competition 2010. He is ranked 6th on Mashable's list of aviation pros on Twitter and in addition to Bangalore Aviation, he has contributed to leading publications like Aviation Week, Conde Nast Traveller India, The Economic Times, and The Mint (a Wall Street Journal content partner). He remains a frequent flier and shares the good, the bad, and the ugly about the Indian aviation industry without fear or favour.

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