Shipwrecks: Kerala high court admits former MP's plea seeking comprehensive compensation package
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The bench of Chief Justice Nitin Jamdar and Justice Basant Balaji adjourned the matter following a submission by advocate general K Gopalakrishna Kurup that an admiralty suit has been filed to recover maritime claims amounting to Rs 9,531 crore for the environmental and economic damage caused by the sinking of the cargo vessel MSC Elsa 3 on May 25. The copies of the suit and the order of interim arrest issued by the single bench on July 7 have been produced.
MSC Akiteta II, the sister vessel of MSC Elsa 3, has been arrested on the order of the single bench.
The division bench then noted that the issue of monetary claims against the shipping company, Mediterranean Shipping Company (MSC), is currently being considered by the single bench in the admiralty suit. The petitioners contended that aside from the monetary claim, there are other issues relating to the duties and responsibilities of the state authorities, pollution control board and director general of shipping, which still need judicial consideration.
The division bench granted liberty to the petitioners to approach court with an application if any such urgent intervention is required. Meanwhile, MSC clarified that the removal of the wrecks, a relief sought by the petitioners, is planned for Aug as the current weather conditions do not permit deep-sea operations.
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