SC notice to Centre, TN Govt on pleas to protect fishermen

Voicing concern over Tamil Nadu fishermen being caught by Sri Lankan Navy, the Supreme Court today issued notice to the Centre and state government on petitions filed by DMK and AIADMK MPs for release of those languishing in jails there.

A bench headed by Chief Justice P Sathasivam sought to know from the governments on how to resolve the issue through diplomatic and political channels, while expressing happiness that both the rival political parties are united on the issue.

The bench asked whether it is possible for the fishermen to know where to stop while fishing in the sea so that they do not transgress into the neighbouring country's territory.

"They (Sri Lankan Navy) not only capture fishermen but they also damage their boats and it takes four-five months for them to come back. Is it not possible to solve the problem diplomatically and politically," the bench said.

The court directed the Centre and the State Government to file their response on two separate petitions, one filed by DMK MP AKS Vijayan and another by AIADMK MP M Thambidurai and others, also seeking direction to the government to protect the fishermen from being attacked by Sri Lankan Navy.

"We are happy that all MPs of Tamil Nadu are united on this. All Lok Sabha and Rajya Sabha members are before us. We want to know whether its possible for fishermen to know where to stop," the bench said.

The petitioners pleaded the court that an expert body be constituted to look into the issue and government must take initiative through diplomatic channel for release of fishermen.

The bench, after the brief hearing, issued notice and observed "at least for one reason all political parties (DMK and AIADMK) are united".