Indian Penal Code, 1860
Section 437
repealedMischief with intent to destroy or make unsafe a decked vessel or one of twenty tons burden
Whoever commits mischief to any 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 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.
Why this exists
Large vessels carry passengers, crew, and cargo, so sabotaging one endangers many lives at sea or on rivers, not just the ship owner's property. This section singles out attacks on substantial vessels for tougher punishment than ordinary mischief, recognising the scale of harm a sinking or unsafe ship can cause.