The Supreme Court has directed the Union government to take all necessary steps to ensure that the safety and livelihood of Tamil Nadu fishermen are not affected in any manner in connection with the Katchatheevu issue.
The observation came during the hearing of a petition seeking the retrieval of Katchatheevu. The court was told that arrests of Tamil Nadu fishermen by the Sri Lankan Navy have become frequent when they go to traditional fishing areas, and that boats, nets and other equipment are being seized.
Appearing for the fishermen, advocate Jaisukin argued that the alleged excesses must be stopped. He said the repeated detentions and confiscations were impacting fishermen who have long depended on these waters for their livelihood.
The Centre submitted that the Sri Lankan Navy arrests only those who cross the international maritime boundary, and that such incidents do not occur within Indian waters. It also maintained that the matter involves foreign policy between two countries, limiting the court’s scope for direct intervention.
After hearing all sides, including submissions from the Tamil Nadu government and the DMK on rights linked to Katchatheevu, the Supreme Court noted the diplomatic nature of the dispute but stressed that fishermen’s protection and livelihood must not suffer. The matter was adjourned to February next year.
