Police book Britishers detained for recording pilots' conversation

New Delhi: Police today booked two British "plane spotters" who were detained for allegedly recording conversations between pilots and Air Traffic Control, a week after they were detained in the capital.
Stephen Hampston (46) and Steve Martin (55) were detained on February 15 night at Radisson Hotel after its staff reported to police that they were found indulging in "suspicious activities".
"We have registered a case against them. They have been charged under Telegraph Act under Section 20 (read with Section 4)," Joint Commissioner of Police (Southern Range) Ajay Kashyap told PTI.
If convicted, the duo will have to serve a prison term of up to three years, or with fine extending to up to Rs1,000, or with both. However, the offence which they committed comes under bailable and non-cognisable offences.
According to Section 20 of Telegraph Act, if any person establishes, maintains or works a telegraph within the country in contravention of the provisions of Section 4 which allows only licenced ones to establish, maintain or work a telegraph, be it on ships and aircraft, he shall be punished.
The Britons, who are employed with the UK Railways, were confined to Radisson Hotel near the international airport here from Monday night and were shifted to Lampur Detention Centre on February 17 after detention orders.
The Union home ministry had asked Delhi Police to find out the provisions of the Indian Telegraph Act violated by the Britishers and if so directed them to book the duo.
21/02/10 PTI/Daily News & Analysis

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Categories: Airports Feb 2010, Foreign Feb 2010