October 11, 2008

SC calls for guidelines on the shipping code

Exim News Service reported that Supreme Court has asked the union government to provide guidelines on the Ship Recycling Industries Association’s plea for a relaxation in the conditions applicable to the industry.

A bench, headed by Mr Justice Arijit Pasayat, issued a notice to the government asking for its reply within 8 weeks. The court, in its order, had directed that the recommendations made by Technical Experts Committee on ships with hazardous waste shall continue till the government formulates a code for dismantling such ships.

A senior advocate, Mr Abhishek Singvi, who appeared for Ship Recycling Industries Association, disclosed that over 50 ships were waiting to be dismantled and there was an urgent need to modify the order passed by the apex court on September 6th 2007.