Kochi: In a significant legal development, the Kerala High Court has ordered the detention of cargo vessel MSC Mansa-F, currently anchored off Vizhinjam, until ₹6 crore in compensation is deposited. The directive comes in response to a petition by the Cashew Export Promotion Council of India (CEPCI).
The dispute arises from an earlier incident involving MSC Elsa-3, a ship owned by the same company, which reportedly lost a substantial cashew shipment near the Kochi coast in the Arabian Sea. The accident allegedly caused damage and losses worth ₹6 crore (approximately $720,000).
Justice M.A. Abdul Hakeem, presiding over the case, ruled that the vessel MSC Mansa-F cannot depart Indian waters unless the compensation is paid via demand draft. He also called on both the central and state governments to intervene and take appropriate action.
The court further noted that a similar maritime incident involving the Wan Hai vessel in the outer sea should be considered during proceedings, adding weight to the petitioners’ claim.
This order marks a strong stance by the judiciary in holding shipping companies accountable for cargo losses and sets a precedent in maritime compensation cases.
