M.K. SALIM Vs. PAUL PANDIAN

JUDGEMENT

(1.) Heard Sri. M.K. Salim, the petitioner in person. Also heard Sri. M.C. Mony, the learned Central Government Counsel representing the respondent/contemnor. As per the earlier direction, Sri. P. Paul Pandian, the Fisheries Development Commissioner, New Delhi, is also personally present in court.

(2.) This Contempt Case arise out of the Court's direction on 14.6.2017 in the Writ Petition No.28818 of 2016. According to the petitioner in that case, the Letter Of Permission (LOP) introduced by the Central Government allowing transshipment of fish in the deep sea vessels, was causing prejudice to the interest of the local fishermen and accordingly direction was sought from the court to stop unauthorised fishing and transshipment on the basis of LOP licence issued to the Foreign Deep Sea Trawlers, owned by Indian companies.

(3.) After due consideration of the rival submissions, the Division Bench ordered for appropriate investigation to determine the extent of loss that has been caused to the Government of India on account of the LOP Scheme and action was directed to be taken by the Government on that basis. To be precise, the following two directions were issued by the court on 14.6.2017: