Introduction
The Central Government on 25th August 2021 has promulgated
liberalised 'The Drone Rules, 2021' ("the
Rules"),1 replacing the erstwhile Unmanned
Aircraft System Rules 2021 ("Prior
Rules"), to regulate the use and operation of Drones
or Unmanned Aerial System ("UAS") in
India. The Rules are based on the principles of "trust,
self-certification and non-intrusive monitoring" by reducing
the extent of regulatory control. The strict requirements under the
Prior Rules like certificate of conformation, certificate of
maintenance, operator permits, import clearance, authorization of
R&D etc., have been abolished under the Rules. This is an
important landmark in the Indian Legal system, since this may pave
way for further laws based on the principle of self-regulation.
