HC asks not to use tax money, recover compensation from company in ship accident case

KOCHI: The Kerala High Court has said the central and state governments can register a case in the shipwreck off the Kerala coast. The court was considering a plea filed by former MP and Congress leader T N Prathapan regarding the sinking of MSC Elsa 3. The plea was considered fast in the context of another shipwreck.

The high court also directed that the second ship, Wan Hai 503, which caught fire 88 nautical miles off the Kerala coast, should also be made part of this case. Appropriate action should be taken. The court asked how much money the central and state governments have spent so far on the shipwreck. This is people's tax money. Why spending money of the public and the court directed the government to recover the appropriate amount from the shipping company for this.

The losses to the fishing sector and economic sector should all be recovered from the company. Amicus curiae can be appointed. The government should inform the high court about the agreements and what steps can be taken. The main issue is the spillage of oil into the sea in the Kochi accident. The court also asked the government what is the difficulty in taking civil and criminal action in this. The plea has been postponed to June 19.

Meantime, DG Shipping may also file a case against MSC Elsa 3. The Mercantile Marine Department is presently conducting a preliminary investigation into the ship accident.
The preliminary investigation is under the Merchant Shipping Act. If the court directs, the central government can then file a case and move for arrest. In that case, the case of the center and Kerala will be against the shipping company. Along with this, DG Shipping has been directed to conduct a preliminary investigation into the Wan Hai 503 ship accident.