SC reserves judgement on 'Blue Lady' for tomorrow

By Staff
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Google Oneindia News

New Delhi, Sep 5 (UNI) The Supreme Court will pronounce its judgement tomorrow on a PIL seeking directions to the government to send back Norwegian ship 'Blue Lady' containing huge quantities of hazardous substances including asbestos sheets.

A bench comprising Justices Arijit Pasayat and S H Kapadia today reserved its verdict, after hearing the petitioner Research Foundation for Science and the Central government.

Counsel for the petitioner had earlier contended that the ship which was sent back by Bangladesh government has been allowed to enter Indian territorial waters by the government, without caring for the damage it is likely to cause to the environment and is presently anchored at Alang port in Gujarat.

The petitioner also contended that the permission for dismantling the ship which is carrying about 100 metric tonnes of toxic substances should not be granted and the ship must be sent back.

The petitioner has prayed to the court to lay down appropriate guidelines for the entry of ship or vessels carrying hazardous substances, and breaking and dismantling of such ships must not be allowed without taking safety measures for the safety of labourers employed for dismantling of such vessels and also for the protection of the environment of the area.

Counsel for the government, however, submitted that the ship cannot be sent back as the process of ship breaking is already complete and the process cannot be reversed.

The apex court had earlier appointed an expert committee to study the dangers and implications of permitting entry to such vessels in the country.

UNI

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