PRAYER: Writ Petition filed under Article 226 of the Constitution of India, to issue a Writ of Mandamus, directing the respondent Nos.3 and 4 to institute Admiralty Suit before the Madras High Court or file appropriate petition before the competent National or International Forum against the respondent Nos.15 and 16 to claim environmental damages, consequently direct the respondent Nos.3 to 7 to constitute an Expert Committee or Special Task Force to take immediate action for the removal of oil spill and plastic pellet in the scientific manner for safeguarding the marine ecosystem in the Southern Part of Tamil Nadu in accordance with law within the time stipulated by this Court.

For Petitioner : Dr.R.Alagumani

For Respondents : Mr.K.Govindarajan, DSGI for R1 & R2

Mr.D.Sasikumar, Addl. Govt. Pleader for R3, R4, & R6 to R14

Mrs.Madhuri Dhonti Reddy, Standing Counsel for R5

Mr.Arnitava Majumdar, for M/s.R.Rajamohan for R15 & R16

ORDER

(Order of the Court was made by N.SATHISH KUMAR, J.)

1. This writ petition has been filed seeking a direction to the respondent Nos.3 and 4 to institute Admiralty Suit before the Madras High Court or file appropriate petition before the competent National or International Forum against the respondent Nos.15 and 16 to claim environmental damages and consequently direct the respondent Nos.3 to 7 to constitute an Expert Committee or Special Task Force to take immediate action for the removal of oil spill and plastic pellet in the scientific manner for safeguarding the marine ecosystem in the Southern Part of Tamil Nadu in accordance with law within the time stipulated by this Court.

2. It is brought to the notice of this Court by the learned counsel appearing for the petitioner that the sinking of the ship would cause severe environmental damage to the entire coastal regions, including the States of Kerala, Karnataka and Tamil Nadu. Insofar as Tamil Nadu is concerned, the entire coastal area from Kanniyakumari to Nagapattinam has been affected by plastic pellets as well as fuel oil, resulting in environmental damage and adversely impacting fishing, aquaculture and tourism. He would further submit that in this regard, the Kerala High Court has already passed a detailed order in W.P. (PIL) No. 50 of 2025, wherein the Kerala High Court directed the State of Kerala to file an Admiralty Suit. Pursuant to the said directions, the State of Kerala has now filed Admiralty Suit No. 12 of 2025 before the High Court of Kerala, in which certain interim orders have already been passed directing the deposit of a certain amount as security. The learned counsel for the petitioner further submits that this Court may also issue a direction to the Government of Tamil Nadu to file an Admiralty Suit to protect the interests of the affected persons in Tamil Nadu, so that compensation may be determined.

3. Heard the learned counsel appearing on either side and perused the materials available on record.

4. On a perusal of the records, it is seen that the High Court of Kerala, by order dated 12.06.2025 in W.P. (PIL) No. 50 of 2025, has passed the following order:

“3. The learned counsel for the Petitioner seeks leave to amend the writ petition to place on record the facts pertaining to the incident involving 'WAN HAI 503' and to implead the necessary parties in that regard. Leave is granted.

4. The learned Advocate General informs us that the explosion on 'WAN HAI 503' occurred at 22:00 hours on 9 June 2025. The Indian Coast Guard, the Indian Navy, the Directorate General of Shipping, and the salvage partners have mobilised firefighting and search operations. It is stated that the fire has been partially contained, however, the vessel remains unmanned and adrift, drifting in a south-southeasterly direction at approximately 1 knot and as per the latest update, the vessel is located approximately 65 nautical miles off the Indian coastline. It is stated that the vessel remains afloat but continues to emit heavy smoke. It is