The Hindu : Front Page : State likely to challenge order on trawling

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Wednesday, Jul 19, 2006

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State likely to challenge order on trawling

Special Correspondent

Fisheries Minister says altering trawling ban period may have repercussions

Thiruvananthapuram: The State Government is seeking legal opinion on filing a review petition to challenge the Supreme Court order extending the monsoon ban on trawling to August 15, Fisheries Minister S. Sarma said on Tuesday. Talking to presspersons at the Vizhinjam fishing harbour near here, he said a final decision on the legal options would be taken only after studying the judgment.

"The Supreme Court order is applicable to the five west coast States, including Gujarat, Maharashtra, Goa, Karnataka and Kerala. While the monsoon period in Kerala is June - July, it is staggered over a larger period in the other States. The apex court may have issued the order to ensure a uniform ban across the coast so that enforcement becomes easier," he said. He said that the Cabinet meeting on Wednesday was likely to take a policy decision on the matter.

The Kerala Swathantra Matsya Thozhilali Federation has condemned the Government move to file a review petition challenging the Supreme Court order. Federation State president T. Peter urged the Government and boat owners to implement welfare schemes for the fishermen who would not be able to go to sea during the period.

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