Bimal N. Patel Elected ITLOS Judge: India at UNCLOS Tribunal | UPSC Notes
Why in News?
India’s Professor Bimal N. Patel has been elected as a Judge of the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea (ITLOS) for the 2026โ2035 term. His election took place during the 36th Meeting of States Parties to UNCLOS at the UN Headquarters, New York.
Key Facts for Prelims: ITLOS & UNCLOS
- UNCLOS: United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea โ adopted in 1982
- UNCLOS establishes the comprehensive legal framework for all marine and maritime activities
- ITLOS: Dispute-settlement body established under UNCLOS for resolving maritime disputes
- The 36th Meeting was held at UN Headquarters, New York
UNCLOS Maritime Zones: Quick Revision Table
| Maritime Zone | Extent from Baseline | Coastal State Rights |
|---|---|---|
| Internal Waters | Landward side of baseline | Full sovereignty |
| Territorial Sea | Up to 12 NM | Full sovereignty; innocent passage allowed |
| Contiguous Zone | 12โ24 NM | Enforcement of customs, immigration, fiscal, sanitary laws |
| Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) | Up to 200 NM | Sovereign rights over resources |
| Continental Shelf | Up to 200 NM (extendable to 350 NM) | Rights over seabed and subsoil resources |
| High Seas | Beyond national jurisdiction | Freedom of navigation for all states |
Trap / Confusing Points
| Confusion | Correct Fact |
|---|---|
| UNCLOS was adopted in 1972 | UNCLOS was adopted in 1982 |
| EEZ extends to 350 NM | EEZ = 200 NM; Continental Shelf can extend to 350 NM |
| Contiguous Zone = 12 NM | Contiguous Zone is from 12 to 24 NM |
| Innocent passage is in EEZ | Innocent passage applies in Territorial Sea (12 NM) |
Practice MCQs
1. UNCLOS was adopted in which year?
a. 1972
b. 1982
c. 1992
d. 2002
Ans: B
UNCLOS was adopted in 1982 and came into force in 1994.
2. EEZ under UNCLOS extends up to how many nautical miles?
a. 12 NM
b. 24 NM
c. 200 NM
d. 350 NM
Ans: C
The EEZ extends up to 200 NM with sovereign rights over natural resources.
3. Bimal N. Patel was elected to ITLOS during the meeting of which body?
a. UN Security Council
b. 36th Meeting of States Parties to UNCLOS
c. International Court of Justice
d. G20 Legal Forum
Ans: B
His election occurred at the 36th Meeting of States Parties to UNCLOS, UN Headquarters, New York.
4. In which maritime zone can a coastal state enforce customs and immigration laws?
a. Internal Waters
b. Territorial Sea
c. Contiguous Zone
d. EEZ
Ans: C
The Contiguous Zone (12โ24 NM) allows enforcement of customs, immigration, fiscal, and sanitary laws.
5. Continental Shelf under UNCLOS can be extended up to how many nautical miles?
a. 200 NM
b. 250 NM
c. 350 NM
d. 400 NM
Ans: C
Continental Shelf can be extended to 350 NM in certain geological conditions.
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