What a Kalamity

Out-of-power Indian VIPs flying on US carriers will continue to be frisked because the law says so

FLY Air India and be safe that's the new mantra aviation experts are offering Indian VIPs after the
Dr Kalam frisking episode.

With conflict between Indian and US's Transport Security Administration (TSA ) laws coming in Indian VIPs' way, experts feel that not boarding an American carrier is the only way to avert embarrassments, at least till the two countries resolve the conflict.

The conflict between Indian and US laws came to light after former president of India Dr A P J Abdul Kalam was frisked. Continental Airlines, which had earlier justified its act of frisking Dr Kalam, finally rendered an apology.

However an FIR was filed under section 11A of the Aircraft Act, 1934.

But experts say that an FIR and proceedings against airlines can't legally prove them wrong as American commercial carriers work under TSA guidelines, in turn governed by US' Department of Homeland Security.

Law vs law

While Indian aviation laws, as specified by the Bureau of Civil Aviation Security (BCAS), exempt certain VIPs including former presidents from pre-embarkation security checks. However, TSA regulated American commercial carriers exempt only active heads of state travelling under protective escort of the US secret service and high level active foreign dignitaries under the protective escort of the US diplomatic security service.

"Travelling in Indian carriers which aren't regulated by US laws will alone help Indian VIPs not in power," said Devesh Agarwal, an aviation expert.

"US carriers are regulated by TSA, which screens everyone except those in power and meetu00a0 their requirements."

These two conflicting laws confront VIPs not in power while boarding US aircraft.

The only alternative to avert embarrassment as it happened with the recent frisking episode, is to fly Air India, which is not regulated by TSA, said Agarwal.

"Both US and India should come forward to resolve this issue involving Kalam."