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Kerala High Court stays FIR against US citizens for flying drones near defence zone

Kerala High Court has put a temporary hold on the FIR against American nationals Katie Michelle Phelps and Christopher Ross Harvey. They faced accusations of operating drones near Coast Guard headquarters in Fort Kochi. This ruling will remain in effect for two months and marks a transition from the previously repealed Aircraft Act of 1934 to the newly introduced Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024.

BRIC Team
BRIC Team
Jun 10, 2026 · 1 min read · 3 views
Kerala High Court stays FIR against US citizens for flying drones near defence zone

Key Takeaways

  • •The Kerala High Court issued a temporary stay on the FIR against Americans Katie Michelle Phelps and Christopher Ross Harvey for two months.
  • •The petitioners were accused of flying a drone near the Coast Guard headquarters and INS Dronacharya in Fort Kochi.
  • •Justice C.S. Dias noted the charges arose from the now-repealed Aircraft Act of 1934.
  • •The Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam, 2024, now governs drone operations in India, replacing outdated laws.
  • •Advocate Niharika Hema Raj argued the petitioners had a prima facie case for quashing the criminal charges.

Kerala High Court has put a temporary hold on FIR against two Americans accused of flying drones in restricted defense zones . The petitioners,Katie Michelle Phelps and Christopher Ross Harvey, were reportedly operating their drone near Coast Guard HQ and INS Dronacharya training facility in Fort Kochi.

Justice C.S. Dias noted charges arose from now-repealed Aircraft Act of 1934. It's been replaced by Bharatiya Vayuyan Adhiniyam,2024, which now governs drone use in India. The court's stay on the FIR lasts two months, giving time for legal review.

During proceedings,Advocate Niharika Hema Raj argued on behalf of petitioners. She said they made strong case for dropping charges. FIR was filed at Fort Kochi police station, sparking the legal fight leading to court's step in.

This ruling highlights shifting legal terrain around drone rules in India as new laws take over old ones…

#Kerala

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