Air and Space Law
Guru Ghasidas Vishwavidyalaya · LL.B. Semester 9 · LAIITD5N
Unit I — Foundation of Air and Space Law
Nature, meaning, scope, and sources of air and space law · Historical evolution: From aerial navigation to outer space exploration · Juridical distinction between airspace and outer space · Theories of control and sovereignty: · Airspace: Closed Sky, Open Sky, Sector, Functional Theories · Outer Space: Res Communis, Non-appropriation, Common Heritage · Demarcation debate: Kármán Line and suborbital ambiguity
Unit II — International Legal Regime Governing Civil Aviation
Development of international air law: · Paris Convention (1919) · Warsaw Convention (1929) and its liability framework · Havana Convention (1928) · Chicago Convention (1944): Sovereignty, air navigation freedoms, ICAO establishment · ICAO: Structure, Regulatory functions, standard-setting role · Open Skies and Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs)
Unit III — Aviation Safety, Unlawful Acts, and National Regulation
Technical and operational standards under ICAO Annexes · Legal regulation of aviation terrorism and unlawful interference: · Tokyo Convention (1963) · Hague Convention (1970) · Montreal Convention (1971) · Aircraft classification: Civil, military, state aircraft · Indian aviation framework: DGCA, BCAS, AERA, Aircraft Rules, 1937 · Licensing, monitoring, and enforcement powers
Unit IV — International Legal Framework of Space Activities
Role of the United Nations and establishment of COPUOS · Fundamental principles under General Assembly Resolutions · Major space treaties: · Outer Space Treaty (1967) · Rescue Agreement (1968) · Liability Convention (1972) · Registration Convention (1975) · Moon Agreement (1979) · Peaceful use, jurisdiction, non-appropriation, benefit to all mankind · Regulation of non-governmental entities in outer space
Unit V — Liability and Dispute Resolution in Air and Space Law
Aviation Liability: · Carrier liability under Warsaw and Montreal Conventions · Third-party damage and surface injury · Compensatory mechanisms and limitation of liability · Space Liability: · Absolute and fault-based liability under the Liability Convention (1972) · Damage on Earth vs. in outer space · Attribution of conduct: State responsibility for private actors · Dispute Resolution Mechanisms: · ICAO Council (Chicago Convention, Art. 84) · International Court of Justice (ICJ) · Arbitration: PCA’s Optional Rules for Outer Space Disputes (2011) · Institutional gaps and prospects for reform
Unit VI — India’s Legal and Institutional Role in Air and Space Law
India’s obligations under international air and space treaties · Civil Aviation Framework: · Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA, BCAS, AERA · India’s compliance with ICAO SARPs · Space Governance in India: · Department of Space (DOS), ISRO, IN-SPACe, NSIL · Launch services, satellite systems (e.g., GAGAN, IRNSS), and commercial contracts · Overview and critique of the Draft Space Activities Bill · Challenges and opportunities in national space legislation