The Unmanned Aircraft System Rules, 2021 ("UAS
Rules") was released on March 12, 2021. Thereafter,
as required under Section 14 of the Aircraft Act, 1934, vide
notification of the Government of India in the MoCA number G.S.R.
489 (E), dated July 15, 2021 proposed the draft of the Drone Rules,
2021 ("Draft") in supersession of the
UAS Rules. MoCA invited objections and suggestions from all parties
likely to be affected by the Draft and after incorporating the
necessary suggestions and in exercise of its powers under Sections
5, 10(2), 10A, 10B and 12A of the Aircraft Act, 1934 issued the
Drone Rules, 2021 ("Rules") on August
25, 2021. Let us see the crucial aspects of the Rules to understand
its application, compliances and consequences for not following it
while operating an aircraft that can operate autonomously or can be
operated remotely without a pilot on board, known as unmanned
aircraft system ("UAS") in India.
