Image Credits : The Statesman
The Orissa High Court issued a significant ruling, ordering the sale of a foreign vessel anchored at Paradip Port because the owner had not paid ₹8 crore in outstanding debts. The vessel, identified as MV Ya Karim, has been detained at the port for several months following a legal dispute over unpaid charges owed to various port service providers.
The court’s decision comes after multiple attempts to recover the outstanding amount from the vessel’s owners proved unsuccessful. The petitioners, comprising port authorities and service providers, approached the court to seek the sale of the ship as a last resort to recover the dues. The High Court, after reviewing the case, issued an order for the vessel’s judicial sale under the Admiralty Jurisdiction, emphasizing the need to uphold the financial obligations of foreign vessels operating in Indian waters.
The sale process, as directed by the court, will be carried out by a designated auctioneer, with the proceeds from the sale expected to cover the outstanding dues as well as any additional costs incurred during the legal proceedings. The court’s ruling also underscores the importance of maintaining financial discipline within the shipping industry, particularly in ensuring that foreign vessels adhere to their contractual obligations while operating in Indian ports.
MV Ya Karim, a bulk carrier registered under a foreign flag, had been at Paradip Port for cargo operations when the dispute arose. The vessel was reportedly unable to leave the port after several port service providers, including bunker suppliers and ship chandlers, filed claims for unpaid dues. The ship was subsequently detained under the provisions of the Admiralty Act, which allows for the arrest of vessels in cases of unpaid debts.
The High Court’s decision to order the sale of the vessel marks a critical step in resolving the financial impasse and serves as a stern reminder to the maritime community of the legal repercussions of not making payments on time. It also highlights the legal framework in place in India to address such disputes, ensuring that service providers are protected and that foreign shipowners are held accountable for their financial commitments.
The case of MV Ya Karim has attracted significant attention within the maritime industry, as it reinforces the principle that Indian courts will take decisive action to enforce the payment of dues by foreign vessels. The successful sale of the vessel is expected to send a strong message to the international shipping community about the seriousness with which Indian authorities treat such matters.