The First Bench Comprising Chief Justice Sanjay Kishan Kaul and Justice T S Sivagnanam directed Assistant Solicitor General S Srinivasan, who appeared on behalf of the Centre and STS Moorthy, state government Pleader to file their reply.
The Counsel for the Fisherman Care submitted that Centre's order on Novembr 12, 2014, for conduct of fishing operations in Indian Exclusive Economic Zone may be withdrawn and new fisheries legislation may be enacted for fisheries development on the line of the recommendations in Murari Committee report which has already accepted by the Cabinet Committee on Economic affairs.
The petitioner submitted that the new guidelines changes the definition of Deep Sea Fishing Vessels reducing the Over All Length to 15 meters from 20 meters as prescribed under the original guidelines issued by the department in 2004.
The petition while describing about the recommendations of the Murari committee that fishing community should be provided with necessary financial assistance for upgradation and acquisition of new vessels.