The Supreme Court has ordered the Tamil Nadu government to establish official navigation corridors for fishing vessels moving into the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The court also slammed the delay in processing access pass applications.
- Supreme Court directs Tamil Nadu to create a 'specified channel' for EEZ transit.
- The court emphasized 'Co-operative Federalism' between Center and State.
- Massive delays in processing access pass applications were criticized by the bench.
In a significant move to balance maritime conservation with the livelihoods of the fishing community, the Supreme Court of India has directed the Tamil Nadu government to formulate specific rules for the transit of fishing vessels to the Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ). The direction aims to create an official navigation corridor under the Marine Fishing Regulation Rules, 2020, specifically for vessels using purse seine nets.
A Division Bench comprising Justices P.S. Narasimha and Alok Aradhe presided over the matter. The case arose from a conflict where the State expressed concerns that fishers might use the guise of EEZ fishing to illegally operate purse seine nets within the 12-nautical-mile territorial waters. Conversely, fishermen argued that restrictive state rules were preventing them from accessing deeper waters beyond state jurisdiction.
Why This Matters
BozokMedia analysis shows that this judgment clarifies the complex legal overlap between state and central maritime authorities. By establishing a 'specified channel,' the court is attempting to prevent ecological damage in coastal waters while ensuring that deep-sea fishing remains a viable economic activity. This prevents the 'unwritten ban' created by administrative delays.
The court observed that not processing applications in a timely manner virtually amounts to imposing an unwritten ban, which is impermissible in law.
The apex court highlighted a disturbing trend regarding the ReALCRaft Portal. Out of 257 applications for access passes, only six had been issued, with approximately 226 applications pending verification by the Tamil Nadu administration. The court noted that this lack of coordination between the Union's issuing authority and the State's verifying authority is detrimental to the fundamental rights of fishermen under Article 19(1)(g) of the Constitution.
| Feature | Territorial Waters (State) | EEZ (Union) |
|---|---|---|
| Jurisdiction | Up to 12 Nautical Miles | Beyond 12 to 200 Nautical Miles |
| Primary Law | TN Marine Fishing Regulation Rules, 2020 | EEZ Rules, 2025 |
| Regulatory Authority | State Government | Central Government |
Historical Background
The issue traces back to Tamil Nadu's 2000 prohibition on pair trawling and purse seine nets within its territorial waters to protect local fish stocks. With the introduction of the Central Government's Sustainable Harnessing of Fisheries in the EEZ Rules, 2025, a legal framework was established to allow deep-sea fishing, provided there is strict coordination between the two tiers of government.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the 'specified channel' ordered by the Court?
It is a designated navigation corridor that allows fishing vessels to move from state waters to the EEZ without violating local fishing restrictions.
2. Why was the Supreme Court unhappy with the Tamil Nadu government?
The court was concerned about the massive backlog of pending access pass applications, which effectively prevented fishermen from exercising their rights.
