Overview

• The court modified its July 7 order that had tied the sister vessel’s release to a ₹9,531 crore deposit in the MSC Elsa 3 pollution case.
• Judges said the state’s averments did not substantiate the massive environmental damages figure, though oil discharge and resulting pollution were established.
• MSC can secure the ship’s release by depositing ₹1,227.62 crore in the High Court or by furnishing equivalent security to the court’s satisfaction.
• The order allows Kerala to seek a higher security later on new materials and to request arrest of other sister vessels for additional security.
• A maritime law expert told The Hindu the case could be prolonged as MSC has argued liability of about ₹132 crore, while fishers continue protests and courts have conditionally arrested 18 vessels.