HC orders ‘cocaine’ ship sale to recover ₹7.9cr dues

Cuttack: Orissa high court has ordered the sale of a cargo ship anchored at Paradip International Cargo Terminal (PICT), which was ‘arrested’ following its order six months back for recovery of Rs 7.95 crore in dues.Admiralty judge Justice V Narasingh on Tuesday ordered the sale of the bulk carrier, MV Devi, on PICT’s admiralty suit involving maritime claim for berth hire and penalty charges.In an interim order, Justice Narasingh had ordered the arrest of the cargo ship on Feb 23. While the admiralty suit was pending, PICT informed the court that since the arrest of the vessel, the expenses are mounting. Each day’s delay is contributing to increasing the claim of PICT and steps for sale of the vessel needs to be undertaken since its value is depreciating by each passing day. On account of the ship remaining idle under arrest, any further delay would affect the seaworthiness of the vessel and also adversely impact the price that vessel is capable of fetching to make good the claims of PICT and further creditors of the MV Devi, it was further submitted.Taking note of it, Justice Narasingh modified the order issued on Feb 23 and ordered the immediate sale of the ship.While issuing the order in terms of Section 11(3) of the Admiralty Act, 2017 and Admiralty Rules, 2020, Justice Narasingh directed the deputy registrar (judicial) to act as the court commissioner till the sale of the vessel.

Vessel off Yemen 'struck' by three projectiles: UK agency

Three projectiles struck a merchant vessel off Yemen's Hodeida, limiting its maneuverability. British maritime security agency UKMTO reported no casualties. The incident involved initial exchange of fire with two small boats before the vessel was hit. The attack is part of Huthi rebels' campaign in support of Gaza, severely affecting Red Sea maritime traffic.

Kochi corp awards RoRo vessel contract to Cochin Shipyard

The Kochi corporation awarded the construction of a new RoRo vessel to Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL) after delays and allegations of overpricing. CSL agreed to discounts in exchange for upfront payment. The new vessel aims to mitigate service disruptions caused by technical issues in existing vessels between Fort Kochi and Vypeen.

High court orders CBI to probe interfaith marriage in autorickshaw

The Punjab and Haryana high court directed the CBI to investigate an interfaith marriage solemnised in an autorickshaw instead of a mosque. Suspecting an eyewash, the court raised concerns about the absence of witnesses and questioned the competence of the officiating maulvi. A thorough probe is being mandated to uncover the facts.