ARTICLE · 05 SEPTEMBER 2018

Drones In Indian Skies: Now A Reality !

Nishith Desai Associates

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In 2014, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation ("DGCA") had issued a public notice announcing its intention to release guidelines to regulate the civil use of unmanned aircrafts.

IndiaTransport

Siddharth Ratho

Huzefa Tavawalla

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Civil use of drones to be permitted from December 01, 2018
Online 'Digital Sky' platform introduced for registration and approval process
Procedures laid down for import of drones in India
Security clearances required from the Ministry of Home Affairs for ownership and operation of drones
Restrictions on foreign companies and foreign nationals from owning and operating drones

In 2014, the Directorate General of Civil Aviation ("DGCA") had issued a public notice announcing its intention to release guidelines to regulate the civil use of unmanned aircrafts. The notice clarified that until the formulation of regulations, there would be a blanket ban on civil use of drones by any individual, organization or non-governmental agency.¹ Further, the Directorate General of Foreign Trade ("DGFT") added another legal hindrance by way of a notification issued to restrict the import of drones.²

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