Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, 2023
Section 283
Exhibition of false light, mark or buoy
Whoever exhibits any false light, mark or buoy, intending or knowing it to be likely that such exhibition will mislead any navigator, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to seven years, and with fine which shall not be less than ten thousand rupees.
Why this exists
Ships and boats rely on lights, markers, and buoys to navigate safely, avoiding rocks, shallow water, or other hazards, especially at night or in poor visibility. Deliberately putting up false navigational signals can cause a vessel to run aground or crash, endangering everyone aboard and any cargo — historically, this kind of deception was associated with 'wrecking,' luring ships into danger to loot the wreckage afterward. This section, continuing the old IPC Section 281, reflects the unusually serious risk such deception poses, which is why it carries a notably harsh punishment (up to 7 years plus a mandatory minimum fine) for what might otherwise seem like a small physical act.