Legal update
Published
13 Sept 2026
Source date
5 Sept 2026
Supreme Court Directs Tamil Nadu to Facilitate Purse Seine Fishing Transit and Pass Clearance in Territorial Waters
Why it matters
The Supreme Court has directed Tamil Nadu to facilitate transit through its territorial waters and ensure timely access pass clearance for purse seine fishing vessels operating in the Exclusive Economic Zone. Emphasising the principle of cooperative federalism, the Court intervened after noting that only six passes had been granted out of 257 applications.
Key points
- The Supreme Court directed Tamil Nadu to facilitate transit through territorial waters for purse seine fishing in the EEZ.
- The Court mandated timely clearance of access passes after observing that only 6 passes were issued out of 257 applications.
- The directions highlighted the requirement of adhering to cooperative federalism.
What changed
Tamil Nadu is required to facilitate purse seine fishing vessels transiting through territorial waters and grant timely access pass clearances for operations in the EEZ.
Who it affects
Purse seine fishermen seeking transit through territorial waters to fish in the EEZ and the Tamil Nadu state authorities handling access pass clearances.
Jurisdiction
India
Sources and original links
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