(1) Whoever commits mischief to any rail, aircraft, or a decked vessel or any vessel of a burden of twenty tons or upwards, intending to destroy or render unsafe, or knowing it to be likely that he will thereby destroy or render unsafe, that rail, aircraft or vessel, shall be punished with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
(2) Whoever commits, or attempts to commit, by fire or any explosive substance, such mischief as is described in sub-section (1), shall be punished with imprisonment for life or with imprisonment of either description for a term which may extend to ten years, and shall also be liable to fine.
Legal Commentary & Landmark Judgments: Section 327
Section 327 penalises committing mischief with intent to destroy or render unsafe any decked vessel or any vessel of twenty tons burden, or by fire or explosive substance.
Mercantile Marine Department (MMD) salvage inspection reports and hull surveyor logs are decisive. Maritime insurance claim files should be examined for fraud indicators.